Some Grandparenting Insights
from Grandpa Neil
My Grandchildren, My Little Miracles
As Grandparents, we are at our highest and best selves when we are acting on our gift and doing all we can to be a meaningful influence on and a stable force for our Grandchildren. With the earned wisdom of our years, we will realize that if we just try to let Grandparenting happen as many of our Grandparents did, the outcome may be okay, but I, for one, am not willing to settle for just okay when it comes to all these little miracles that I call my Grandchildren.
There are definitely things we can learn from others, understand better, and, if appropriate, act on them to make this Journey worth investing in wholeheartedly. This can best be realized by getting to know each Grandchild at a molecular level and being a positive support for and partner with their parents whenever possible. This is foundational to maximizing our role as Great-Grandparents.
GOOD TO GREAT
The best and sometimes the most challenging task is surrendering ourselves to the reality of the tide of the times. This adventure involves a better understanding of the world that our Grandchildren inhabit and a bit about us evolving beyond parenting the parents of our Grandchildren, hence Good to Great.
The word that comes to mind is finesse. Finesse requires attention and intention. As much as we all crave a magic pill to cure all ills, the reality is that we know that doesn’t exist. This is especially true when it comes to the inherent messiness of extended families and the complexities of life in general. That doesn’t mean we throw up our hands in surrender.
I look at it as more of a marathon of thoughtfulness. One step, one person, one circumstance at a time. It is much more like a daily vitamin than a cure-all pill.