Advice to new Grannies

[Gemini]

That must have been so special NannieA

[Plantaholic]

My youngest GD is planning to have their first child soon, babies in our family keep coming.

[Sum1Ls]

Memories! I joined the predecessor when R was a few months old. He was my DS and DiL’s first born, very conveniently, as I had just retired from full time work. I looked after him three days a week and then two days when he was joined by his brother. Then DD proceeded to have two boys - both families lived with us for various stretches of time and DH and I did lots of childcare. Demanding, but a great privilege. R is now fourteen and a half and has suddenly stopped being a boy and turned into a young man. Mixed feelings of course as we all age and the passing of time sometimes causes melancholy thoughts.

As for advice, all I’d say is what I learned from this wonderful group of women. Don’t offer advice unless it’s asked for, and even then set out alternatives. Always do what the parents ask, even if it seems potty. They are new to being parents and absorb a bit of nonsense from stuff they’ve read. Baby led weaning caused a lot of mess but DiL kindly bought a big plastic groundsheet to mitigate. DD said she’d never shout - but then came lockdown and she admitted that there’s been more than a few occasions when shouting happened with her two strong willed boys.

And DiL has always said the kindest thing I did was all their ironing. I like ironing as it’s warm and quiet and it got me lots of house points.
DD’s two who live in a south coast town appreciate getting real letters with little enclosures and pictures in between visits. I think it’s because it’s personal - and indeed, who gets personal letters any more?

Example here when I stayed to help one half term.

[Oma]

Oh that's lovely Sum1 😁❤️