Page 28 - Seniors Today - Vol1 Issue 3
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steadying factor of a warm relationship which problem.
the child feels will not disappear. At a time like 4.Even if you are living together make each
this, it reassures the youngsters that grandma’s other’s territories very clear. Who is going to
world is a safe place they can come to and she cook the food, do the laundry or babysit the
will not desert them. She is on their side. Being children, unless of course there is a special
a grandparent, Seema has learnt some coping request made by your son. If you feel that you
skills that she passes on to her grandchildren, are capable and are happy to babysit don’t
and spends more time with them. She believes expect anything in return.
time is the best gift a grandchild can get. 5.Pretend to be blind and deaf when your
Points to ponder son and his wife are quarrelling. It’s normal
After chatting with grandparents across the that young couples quarrel. Also, they do not
spectrum of society, the following advisory like their parents to be involved in a dispute
emerged: between husband and wife. Most importantly,
1.A little distance is good for the relationship. It’s you shouldn’t worry about your son’s
all right if your son and his wife stay separately family problems – let them settle it between
from you. They may have various reasons – themselves.
jobs, economics and independence. 6.Absolutely do not interfere or volunteer
2.Treat your son’s wife as his wife, not as your opinions on matters that concern your
daughter. Maybe treat her like a friend. Your grandchildren. Your grandchildren belong to
son would always be your junior, but if you your son and his wife; whichever way they want
think that his wife is of the same rank and if you to raise their children it is up to them. The credit
ever scold her, she will remember it for life. In or the blame would be upon them.
real life only her own parents will be viewed as 7.Plan your own retirement. Do not rely on
qualified to scold or correct her. your children to take care of your retirement.
3.Whatever habits or characteristics your son’s You have already walked through most of your
wife has, it’s not your problem, it is your son’s journey in life; this is the time to have fun.
8.It’s in your own interest that you enjoy your
retirement years. Utilise the time and your
money and put them to the best possible use
you can.
9.Grandchildren do not belong to your family –
they are their parents’ most precious gift.
10.Grandchildren give you true and pure love,
and in the saddest of moments can bring a smile
to your face. Cherish their warmth and tight
little hugs. A child is a child for just a moment;
hold on to that moment, you may never see it
again.
The best part of being a grandparent is giving
the gift of your time. For a child there is nothing
more joyful than spending the day with their
grandparents, exploring new things. The
whole experience becomes a part of making
memories that will last a lifetime, not only for
the grandparents but also for the grandchildren.
Warm and enthusiastic grandparents are
supportive, devoted to their grandchildren, and
can often be indispensable.
Grandma’s hug is a special one!
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