It is said that becoming a grandmother for the first time is one of life’s most rewarding experiences. But it can also be a stressful and heartbreaking experience, especially for those unsure of how to handle their new role properly. To help you create a pleasant and lasting relationship with your grandson or granddaughter, we have put together some advice from Ms. Françoise Dorn, psychotherapist and host of the daily column “And if we talked about you”, on the way to do it – which will allow you to communicate better with your grandson or granddaughter as they grow!
Becoming a grandmother for the first time is a special moment for many women. The transition to “grandmother” status can be overwhelming and filled with excitement and emotion, but it’s also important to make sure you’re playing the right role in your new family dynamic. Here are 8 tips that you may find useful:
1er Tip: Have realistic expectations.
Ms. Dorn suggests having realistic expectations about the role you play in your grandchild’s life and not trying to push boundaries or get too involved. You are there to offer love and support, not to replace a parent or take on responsibility. It’s important to keep things fun and lighthearted while showing respect for your grandchild’s parents by consulting with them before making decisions about the child.
Tip 2: Invest in quality time.
Be sure to spend quality time with your grandchild while they’re young so they can bond well from the start. Instead of trying to dictate his activities, let him show you his world and participate in what interests him the most. This will create a sense of trust between the two of you that will last for years.
Tip 3: Refute your fears and don’t judge your grandchild!
Try not to compare your grandchild to other children, as each individual is unique in their own way. Grandparents often want their grandchildren to follow in their footsteps or adopt certain values, but it’s important to remember that each person develops at their own pace and should have the freedom to explore different passions without being judged by others.
Tip 4: It’s okay to say “no.”
Don’t be afraid to say no when necessary – it shows compassion for your grandchild and his parents by understanding that a situation may be inappropriate or difficult for either party involved. It’s okay if you can’t (or won’t) do something; just explain why, clearly but kindly, so that everyone understands without feeling hurt or frustrated.
Tip 5: Respect your grandchild’s independence.
Encourage your grandchild’s independence by giving him space when he needs it and guiding him whenever possible. Helping him learn to make decisions independently will build his self-confidence, which will benefit him later when he tackles more complex tasks, such as choosing a career, making demands university admission, etc.
Tip 6: Build trust.
Offer him emotional support by actively listening to him when he needs to talk about certain things; even if it doesn’t seem relevant from an outside perspective, it can mean a lot to him, so don’t hesitate, even if you feel like you’re blowing off steam! This will help build trust between the two of you, so that he will feel comfortable coming back to you whenever there is something on his mind, no matter how small or large it may seem in relation to other issues in the company. life – every little thing counts!
Tip 7: Learn more from your grandchild.
As elders, we must not overlook the opportunity to learn from our grandchildren. This new generation offers an incredible amount of knowledge and points of view that differ greatly from those of our generation. With their unique perspectives, children can guide us through the complexities of life and offer us new ways to understand and approach various situations.
Engaging with young people can help us step out of our comfort zones and challenge our traditional views on various topics. Inviting your grandson or granddaughter to a dialogue is a precious gift you can give yourself – a gift that will open you up to a plethora of new perspectives and understanding. By letting your grandchild truly guide you, you will cultivate meaningful relationships while expanding your knowledge of today’s world.
Tip 8: Stay true to yourself.
Grandchildren are a source of joy, especially in retirement. As a grandparent, your role is not to be a teacher or nanny in the absence of parents. On the other hand, you can show the world to your grandchildren, remaining true to yourself and revealing bits of your personality. You can share your humor, fantasy and energy with them, creating a special bond that encourages playfulness and zest for life. Your strength lies in being yourself; sharing your joie de vivre with others can only enchant those around you!
