The special love of a Grandparent

I was always grateful for my grandmother and wished to have my very own grandpa! I find those kids who have one or both are very lucky because their relationship is truly special. While parenting can be stressful at times, grandparents are more relaxed and often portray a sense of calm and endless patience which is beneficial for children. They usually have more time available and can afford to spend one-on-one quality time with their grandkids creating wonderful memories.

I still remember a story about a “goat who knitted" my nana told me when I was curled up in my bed. I also remember her chasing me with a fly swatter when I was naughty and did mischievous things. I would often hide under the table and she was too tired to get me out of there so she would never end up catching me. She loved me to bits and I loved her, only I didn't realize this enough to fully appreciate it at the time.

Grandparents tell their family history and create a bridge that connects children to their heritage. Most of us at some point start to get interested in our roots: where we came from, who our ancestors were, where and how they lived etc.. If we have/had our own grandparents, it is nice to reminisce about the time we spend together. What borscht our nana made, what stories papa told, what games we loved to play, what collections they had. Every family has their own unique story. The bonds we create in our family are one of the most important things in life. One can say we have a happy life if we have a strong bonds!

Grandparents can be great role models as well - they often help and support their own kids, they give great advice (drawing from experiences that have made them wise) and are full of interesting life stories. These relationships are so important and invaluable.

We love to visit our neighbours who have their own adult kids who have families and children of their own. My girls always make drawings and crafts for them, we can see it on their refrigerator and all around the house. I do appreciate that time we spend there as my own mom and rest of the family are far away. My kids not only have fun at our neighbour’s house but also learn a lot.

Photographing people in their golden years by themselves or with the rest of the family is one of my favourite sessions to do!

"What children need most are the essentials that grandparents provide in abundance. They give unconditional love, kindness, patience, humor, comfort, lessons in life. And, most importantly, cookies." Rudolph Giuliani

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