5 Ways to be a Supportive Grandparent
Photo by Shannon Pitter on Unsplash
I’m so excited to say that my husband Peter and I are going to be grandparents this summer! This has been such an exciting new chapter for our family, and I have been thinking a lot about the best way that we can be of support to our daughter and son-in-law. Becoming grandparents is such a special milestone, and it brings with it a mix of joy, anticipation, and reflection on our own experiences as parents.
Also read: 13 Tips for Supporting an Aging Parent
As we prepare to welcome this new little one into our lives, I’ve been considering what it truly means to show up in a helpful, respectful, and supportive way. Here are some ways that grandparents can be supportive of their children when a new baby arrives.
5 Ways to be a Supportive Grandparent
1. Ask How You Can Support
It is very important to remember that we need to respect the needs and privacy of our children. It is best to ask how we can support them rather than assuming. They may wish not to have family in the hospital or immediately after the baby is born. They also may wish to have some quiet time as a new family at home before having visitors.
2. Refrain From Offering Unsolicited Advice
New parents today have multiple resources at their fingertips with the internet, and can easily research concerns and connect with experts on a moments notice. If they feel like they need your advice, they will ask for it. So try to only offer advice when asked.
3. Times Have Changed
There are constantly new laws and safety measures developing. Look at car seats, for example. When I was born, car seats, let alone seatbelts in general, were barely a thought. By the time my daughters were born in the 90s, however, they were mandatory. Today, they are much more complex, with expanded guidelines and requirements. Times are always changing, with new research and information becoming available. It’s important to understand this, as opposed to focusing too heavily on what you did or didn’t do decades ago.
4. Validate Their Feelings
Parenting can be a very overwhelming experience, especially in the beginning. It is important to validate their feelings while also providing reassurance. Offering to make a meal or look after the baby while they have some much-needed rest or an evening out can be helpful. However, we need to respect their individualized needs in the process.
5. Enjoy the Journey
Children grow quickly, so try to enjoy each stage. It is such an exciting time, so make sure to soak it all in!