GRAND Magazine - March/April 2017 - Subscribe Today! - 14

What will your
grandparent style be?

By combining these factors and thinking through where you fit on the spectrum, you can begin to see your grandparenting style.
* With an honest appraisal, your factors
might make you a NUWS grandparent.
You're Near (you live around the corner
from your grandchild), Unlimited (you
have abundant finances, boundless
energy and plenty of available time),
Warm (you have a close, stress-free
relationship with your son or daughter
and partner), and Strong (you find being
a grandparent stimulating and fulfilling every moment you spend with your
grandchild). But, not that many people
have all those factors working for them.
* So, if your factors turn out to be FLCM
- Far, Limited, Cool, and Mild -- your
grandparenting personality would be
different with some challenges.
Desire comes last on the list of factors
because it's a powerful force.
your grandchild. Children remember
If you live far from your grandthese connections.
child, use Facetime or Skype as
Tips from experienced
Find ways to overcome any obsta- often as possible
grandparents
cles. If you're on a tight budget
Keep the relationship with your
Share what you love. Your genuine - use your creativity. Write stories for
grandbaby's parents strong and
enthusiasm for fishing, painting,
your grandchild and illustrate them with positive. If bridges need mending, mend
bird watching, or dancing holds a strong photos from magazines.
them.
attraction for your grandchild.
Develop special things - a place
you go, a toy or book at your
TAKE A QUIZ - What Kind of Grandparent Are You?
house, a nickname only you use for

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14 GRAND

MARCH APRIL 2017

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5

Wonder Granny

My husband and
I sometimes feel like
'left out' grandparents.
Our grandbaby's other
grandparents live closer,
have more time, and
are the parents of the
baby's mom, who seems
to be the one setting the
schedule. How can we
keep our relationship with our new grandchild from becoming
'second best?'
A. This situation often arises because no two grandparents are
exactly alike or "equal" in every respect. Most successful grandparents agree it's not good to compete with the other grandparents.
Respecting them is the wiser course of action. Confidence and
consideration get better results than comparison and competition.
Carve out your own special role in your grandchild's life.
Tips from experienced grandparents for getting along:
* Honesty is good, but some things are better left unsaid.
* Don't criticize the baby's parents in front of other relatives.
* Don't criticize the other grandparents.
* Don't criticize your child's spouse.
* Respect the rules and routines the parents set. Don't be the
one who does exactly what the parents asked you not to - even if
you think you know better.
* Be true to yourself. Develop a special bond with your grandchild based on who you really are.

Cheryl Harbour is the special editor of the
"My GRANDbaby" section and author of
Good to Be Grand: Making the Most of your
Grandchild's First Year, a combination of up-todate information and grandparently inspiration.

http://www.amzn.to/2bSkUw5 http://www.grandmagazine.com/2017/02/what-kind-of-grandparent-will-you-be/ http://www.amzn.to/2bSkUw5

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of GRAND Magazine - March/April 2017 - Subscribe Today!