The Retired Renegade

Grand parents are different today.

Being a Grand Parent is the nicest job there is, so it seems. They have emotional bounds. they live very happy moments, and are heroes to our children and yet Grand Parents have no direct parental responsibilities.

Grand Parents who are they ? what role do they play in our lives and the lives of our children ?

Today’s Grand Parents are very different than those of earlier generations although they play approximately the same role. Today Grand Parents live very active lives they take part in different social activities and some still work or have their own business. But stil have a lot of experiences to pass on to our children.

And since today’s families are smaller children spend more quality time with their Grand Parents. For moms like me they are precious confidants, people I can trust with my children, a source of comfort in difficult time, a reassuring presence in our lives and those of my children.They help us let go when the role of parent seems to difficult.

Grand parents are often a child’s best friend

Harmony is what all Grand Parents wish for. Parent and Grand Parent have to find their place. We, the parents need to be respected in the way we want to raise our children. Grand Parents need to feel they are recognized and respected in the relation they have with their grand child, to feel they have their own space where they can establish their own rules, render their special permissions, all within the family values.

Grand Parents have a special relationship with our children, they have their own little secrets, their special activities and events that will stay in the child’s memory as happy moments for the rest of his life. What’s important is to assure a good communication line open with the parents. As parents we must make sure that our kids, understand that the rules although different with Grandpa or Grandma, mother still has the last word.

Whether Grand parents have more or less time on their hands Whether they be healthy or not, they are an important part of my children’s lives and my life. The richness of this relationship is beneficial to young and old.

Before I leave I’d like to thank Grandma Diane and Grandpa Claude, Grandma Louiselle And Wesley, also Mamie Jojo and Papi Ben. They are an important part of my life and the lives of Lou-Philippe and Anabelle. We love you very much.

Brigitte