Helpfull Hints for New Grandparents

You just got the news that your are going to be a new grandparent.  Perhaps this is going to be your  very first grandchild.  You are ecstatic, running around in circles and wondering what you should do first.  A good suggestion is to sit down with the prospective parents and discuss what they are going to need for the baby.  Then go on a shopping spree and help them out with some of those needs.

Be supportive in every way, be positive, for heaven’s sake don’t tell them any horror stories and offer to be there whenever they need you, of course within bounds.  You don’t want your children to take advantage of you, but you don’t want to let them down either.

After the baby is born, and if you live close by, bring food in for the family, do their grocery shopping for them or even hire someone to come in and clean house for them at least for the first few months.  The first year of a child’s life can be very chaotic for everyone concerned.

Always be understanding of the parents decisions, if you agree with them or not.  Offer to babysit so the parents can have some time out, away from the stresses of the new baby.  If your children are the kind who are afraid to leave their child with someone, offer to babysit while they are at home.  Confine yourself to the baby’s room and allow the parents to have a quiet dinner while you attend to the baby’s need.

Above everything else, remember to love your grandchild with all of your heart and enjoy every minute of time you get to spend with them.