Beech Tree News Network

This year, Grandparents’ Day falls on September 11 – not a day we’re likely to think first of grandparents. However, the 9/11 date makes me think of country and family, and I’m very thankful for having had good grandparents.

Grandparents' Day has been recognized since 1978. “Congress passed the legislation proclaiming the first Sunday after Labor Day as National Grandparents' Day and, on August 3, 1978, then-President Jimmy Carter signed the proclamation. A part of the day's purpose was ‘...to help children become aware of strength, information, and guidance older people can offer’” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Grandparents_Day).

Many have commented about their grandparents. Some of those comments include the following (http://www.grandparents.com/grandkids/grandparents-day/grandparents-day-... http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/grandparents.html):

• Grandma always made you feel she had been waiting to see just you all day and now the day was complete. –Marcy DeMaree

• A Grandmother is a safe haven. –Suzette Haden Elgin

• My grandchild has taught me what true love means. It means watching Scooby-Doo cartoons while the basketball game is on another channel. –Gene Perret

• Grandpas always have time for you when everyone else is too busy. – Unknown

• Knowing more about family history is the single biggest predictor of a child's emotional well-being. Grandparents can play a special role in this process, too. –Bruce Feiler

I asked friends and family what traits, qualities or behaviors make someone a good grandparent. Their responses were:

• First, recognizing that grandchildren are a gift from God.

• Wow, that’s a tough one. My grandparents were just loving, thoughtful, kind hearted, but at times had to be the distributor of discipline – especially at my house.

• The only qualification I’ve seen as necessary to becoming a good grandparent is an unconditional love for your own children. If a parent has this unconditional love for his or her own children, then the love for their children’s children only seems to be magnified and multiplied.

• Be supportive of the parents’ choices on how they want their child raised. Also, quality of time outweighs the amount of money you spend on your grandchild. Your time and love are the most important.

• Love for others, patience, kindness, ready to listen and share life experiences, and ready to help.

• Let your child raise their own children. Let them be the parents and have the joy of making their own mistakes. Don’t give advice or opinions unless asked. Be helpful, but don’t dominate. Be helpful by doing the things that you would have appreciated your mother doing for you. There’s no set way to parent. I’m thankful both of my children are doing a good job of parenting.

• The quality time spent with your grandchild.

• A good grandparent is nice, sweet and trustworthy.

• A good grandparent must love unconditionally; always be available; be honest, patient, and trustworthy; and know how to spoil a grandchild like no one else can.

• Show lots of patience, be a good listener, teacher, and example. Must also give lots of hugs and kisses and be able to make awesome chocolate chip cookies.

• Fun and interactive while teaching them how to be respectful and the differences between right and wrong.

• Be interested, play along with ‘pretend’ or games, spend time with them by choice, try to teach them about the past or family or when you were little, be a good example for them. Also, it’s ok to buy grandchildren things like ice cream.

• A good grandparent loves unconditionally, is always happy to see you, and is one of your biggest cheerleaders.

• My grandparents were welcoming and accepting. Whether we were riding horses, working in the yard or talking around the table, I was included, no matter my age. I learned valuable lessons about family and unconditional love from my grandparents.

When my grandchildren spend time with me, it’s a blessing – regardless of the reason. I may be tired when they leave, but as a Pinterest note said, “The littlest feet make the biggest footprints in our hearts.” And those heart footprints don’t fade with time.