It can be quite a joyful experience to meet your grandchild for the first time. What an adventure you’re in for! If you are experiencing some nerves about your new role and where you stand, don’t worry – it’s common. You can’t help but want to be the best grandparent you can be. Here we provide several tips to help you ease into becoming grandparents for the first time:
Focus on Support
As a grandparent, your focus should be on supporting the parents through this challenging time. You’ve been through this all before, but they haven’t; so, they may need guidance and someone to talk to. Don’t be too overbearing by telling them what to do, instead, listen for what they need and offer help. It can be hard to keep your thoughts and emotions contained, especially if you disagree. It’s important you let your children raise their new baby on their own terms.
Mend Broken Wounds
If you are divorced from your child’s other parent, now is the time to mend those wounds. You are now grandparents. Getting along with one another will make everyone’s life a lot easier; especially when it comes to visits and events that revolve around your new grandchild. You don’t want to be left out because of stubborn animosity.
Give Parents a Break
Taking the new baby for an afternoon while mom and dad get some personal time can be a big help. Find ways you can step in and save the day. Whether it be making meals, running errands, or babysitting. Forgive and forget when your child becomes bad-tempered or cranky – being a new parent is hard, remember? Just offer your help and let them know you are there when they need you.
Follow Their Rules
This time you don’t get to be the parent. It’s hard not to be the one in charge, but this time you have to follow your adult child’s rules when it comes to their baby. If they say no TV, phones, or bedtime at eight you should respect their wishes and follow their routines.
Don’t Spoil if Not Welcomed
It’s hard not to want to spoil your new grandchild, but first make sure you talk to the parents about their expectations and wishes when it comes to shopping. You don’t want to overstep your boundaries as many first-time parents want to make the choices themselves on what to buy their kids. Knowing what they need and want, and not going outside the boundaries, will help you to stay on good terms.
Becoming a new grandparent can be scary at first, by focusing your time and efforts where it’s needed can lead you to being the best grandparent you can for your new addition to the family.
