WHAT IS IT ALL ABOUT?
Mission Statement
You are a GOOD Grandparent, or you wouldn’t be reading this book. Our Mission is to foster Greatness by creating and strengthening meaningful, lasting connections with your Grandchildren by sharing insights, stories, ideas, and resources.
A Journey worth Taking
You will be a Grandparent for twice as long as you were a parent. As Grandparents, we are at our highest and best selves when we act on our gift and do all we can to be a meaningful influence and a stable force for our Grandchildren. With the wisdom of our years, we will realize that if we just let Grandparenting happen, the outcome may be okay, but I, for one, am not willing to settle for OK when it comes to all these little miracles that I call my Grandchildren. There are definitely things we can do to make this Journey worth investing in this process. 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 a great-grandparent. 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, which requires attention and intention.
The power of parents and Grandparents operating in unison in the best interest of the Grandchild cannot be understated. This is Familial Love in action. It is difficult but essential and appropriate to learn, relinquish the reins, add value, and trust your ability to create a Great outcome. Some of the most evolved, practical, and supportive Grandparents carry around a metaphorical roll of duct tape to put over their mouths to keep themselves from offering unsolicited advice to their children about how to raise their kids.
This is important enough to repeat; they are their kids. To quote the most influential wise person in my life, My Mom always told us, “If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” This may be the best advice EVER! This cannot be emphasized enough regarding backing off and letting our children raise their own children. You did a great job raising them, and now it is your turn to stand back and trust the process. Given room, encouragement, and support, you may find they will come to you and ask for advice. Oh, Happy Day, it is now appropriate to venture into this delicate territory. Enjoy the Journey.