From Grandma Zero to Grandma Hero in Ten Easy Steps

Is your grandchild's other grandma their favorite? Do you get the obligatory once-a-month visit from your grandchild? (The one which you spend offering cookies and asking how they are doing in school or if they are enjoying their vacation and receiving one word replies followed by an explanation from their mother.)

Grandmothers have a unique opportunity to influence and help direct our grandchildren in the way they should go. We have been positioned by God as a parent-once-removed to impact our grandkids in a completely different way than we did our children. The following suggestions are to help grandmas to step up and take their place as one of their grandchild’s heroes!

1. Laugh at your grandchild's jokes.

It is no small thing to laugh with your grandchild. Too many adults in your grandchild’s life are telling them to ‘be quiet’, ‘stop fooling around’ or ‘I don’t have time’. When your grandbaby comes to you with a ‘knock-knock’ joke...laugh. Laughter is good for you, good for them and an easy way to bond. (There is a strong possibility that the joke will not be very funny or make any sense, but who cares? Laugh anyway.)

2. Be silly, even when other adults are around.

Your grandchild has plenty of people in his or her life that are serious and sober-minded. What is necessary for your grandchild is to have someone they can just be silly with on occasion. That someone needs to be you. Be silly, whether it is telling stories using silly voices or jiggling your upper arm flab in public!

  

3. Always tell the truth.

This should be obvious. We can be truthful with our grandchildren in a loving and gentle manner. We will set a precedent for how we expect our relationship to be. There are so many lies and half-truths (which are whole lies) in the world today, some are even taught in our schools. Grandma should always be someone a grandchild can count on to tell them the truth.

4. Learn how to play XBox (Nintendo, Playstation, etc.)

You might like it and you will have that much more time with your grandchild. You can also see what kind of games they are playing and maybe have an opportunity to redirect their interest from any inappropriate games. Parents do not always take/have time to check out each game their kids are playing, (like games they receive as gifts or purchase themselves) so Grandma can step up, grab a controller and check it out.

5. Be your grandchild's biggest fan and most vocal supporter.

You want to be your grandchild’s hero? Make sure he or she is YOUR hero. Cheer for them, encourage them in every endeavor and always promote them. Wear the t-shirt, buy the fund-raiser candy, candles or gift-wrap, and listen to them practice their new instrument (even if it is drums).

6. Take your grandchild to church.

If your grandchild’s parents do not attend church, then Grandma must step up and make sure that her grandchildren have the opportunity to go. You raised your children in church, and your grandchildren need that fellowship and instruction as well. In my experience, my grown children who are not currently attending church do not have a problem with me taking their children to church. As a Christian, I know how important learning the Word of God is, and I talk to my grandkids about God and take them to church with me often. We have excellent teachers at our church (Successful Word Church) and my grandchildren really like their Sunday school classes.

7. Watch cartoons.

Some cartoons are fun to watch with your grandchild. I spend more time watching them watch the cartoon then actually watching it myself! This is just another chance to spend time with your grandchild doing something they like. It is not necessary to watch for hours; watch one and then see if your grandchild would like to play.

8. Teach your grandchild what you know.

I cannot stress just how important I believe this is. If we do not teach our grandchildren what we know, the things we know could be lost. Are you a gardener, or a seamstress, or painter? Share your skills, talents and hobbies with your grandchildren. It will benefit them now and in the future.

9. Listen to what your grandchild has to say.

Sometimes, the best thing we can do for our grandchild is to just sit and listen to them. Let them talk. Allow your grandchild to monopolize the conversation! Kids are always being told to be quiet. In school they have to listen to their teachers and at home they listen to their parents. Your grandchild has something to say, let him/her say it! If we will listen, really listen, we can learn a lot about our grandkids and the things that interest them, scare them, or inspire them.

10. Never sweat the small stuff.

Really, in the grand scheme of things, how important is it that your knick-knacks never get knocked over, your walls are never written on, or your bed is never jumped on? Sometimes grandchildren spill their drinks, forget to wipe their feet, or try to flush an entire roll of toilet tissue. As a Grandma Hero, we have to learn not to sweat the small stuff. Most things can be cleaned, repaired or, if necessary, replaced. It will help you and your good mental, emotional and physical health if you can properly prioritize. Grandchildren are irreplaceable, precious and valuable; our furniture, cars, and flowerbeds are not. We can teach our grandchildren how to properly take care of their belongings and ours, and we should do so. Just do not let the things take priority over the kids.

The most important thing for Grandma Heroes? Love your grandchildren. Just love them! The love you sow into their lives will be a part of them forever and result in your grandchildren growing into loving adults, parents and grandparents!

Thanks, and God Bless!