The author (not pictured) says that she has made sure to give the parents of her grandchildren the space they need to make mistakes.
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I'm lucky, I have five grandchildren, ages 2 to 7, and they all live within a 30-minute walk from me. Their personalities vary as much as their ages, and I've gotten a front-row seat to watch them all as they grow up.Being their grandmother has been a joyful yet challenging role. A role that I take very seriously and continue to learn from day to day.Over the years, I've learned some important lessons that I believe will allow these special relationships to continue and flourish.1. I respect their parents' choices and approachesI've always tried to remember that I'm a grandparent — not a parent.I know it's important to resist the urge to tell my children and their partners what they should or shouldn't be doing with their children or how they could be doing it better.My job is to sit back and enjoy the show, only adding guidance or input when it's requested of me.
The author said that she pays special attention not to step on anyone's toes while she enjoys being a grandparent, but isn't afraid to stand up for herself, too.
Courtesy of Gill Hasson.
