I'm not sure, so I'm calling myself a Granny Nanny.
When I first started to look after Bear I searched the internet for tips. I didn't find any, only forums where mums were asking for advice about problems with their child's grandmother, mother in laws mostly.
I'm very lucky, I get on great with my daughter in law but it made me think what makes a good Granny Nanny? I wanted to look after Bear and I chose to do it but am I a good Granny Nanny?
Do you look after your grandchild whilst their parents work? Is it your son's child and you are the Granny in law? How do you make it work? Here are 10 tips for Grannies on how to be a good Granny Nanny.
I'm very lucky, I get on great with my daughter in law but it made me think what makes a good Granny Nanny? I wanted to look after Bear and I chose to do it but am I a good Granny Nanny?
Do you look after your grandchild whilst their parents work? Is it your son's child and you are the Granny in law? How do you make it work? Here are 10 tips for Grannies on how to be a good Granny Nanny.
1. It's Not Your Baby
You know this. Every time you have the urge to comment, to give unasked for advice or to criticise their parenting just repeat this to yourself until the urge goes away.
2. Obey The Rules
Whatever the rules are, obey them. "No chocolate" doesn't mean "a little bit won't hurt, they won't know". Yes it will, the rule is there for a reason. You don't like the rules? Then repeat number 1.
3. Be Honest
So you gave chocolate against the rules, well you're still a granny and "mistakes" happen. Be honest and apologise. Just don't do it too often. Baby has a bump or a fall, be honest. Tell them. Trust is a very important part of this, remember that they've let you look after the most precious thing in their life.
4. It's Not a Competition
Praising the little one's achievements is wonderful. I do it all the time. Bear did this today, he said that, he slept for an hour, he ate his lunch.
Do not try to be better than his mummy. He always eats the food I cook, he always sleeps for an hour when I put him down. Get my drift?
Do not try to be better than his mummy. He always eats the food I cook, he always sleeps for an hour when I put him down. Get my drift?
5. Things Have Changed
You did it differently with your children? What was good advice 20+ or 30+ years ago may not be good advice now. Get up to date, read what babies should be eating, what to avoid, what they should be doing, what games to play.
Baby care has changed. The advice has changed.
Babies used to be given cows milk at 6 months, they're not now.
Babies were put on their tummies to sleep, it stopped them from choking on any sick and dying, or so we thought. They don't do that now. Babies should sleep on their backs.
It's different now.
Baby care has changed. The advice has changed.
Babies used to be given cows milk at 6 months, they're not now.
Babies were put on their tummies to sleep, it stopped them from choking on any sick and dying, or so we thought. They don't do that now. Babies should sleep on their backs.
It's different now.
6. Talk To Each Other
Find some time to talk even if it is just a few minutes when they collect their little one. Talk about the things you've done, mention any problems. Ask for advice. Maybe you can solve the problems together.
7. Ask Permission Before You Change The Routine
You don't like the times they are due to be fed? Or the times they are due for a nap? Ask before you change anything. It's probably taken months to fine tune the routine so it works, don't mess with it unless you really have to.
8. Make Your Home Safe
Chasing after an active baby can be exhausting so try to make your home child friendly and as safe as possible. Move precious ornaments/photos out of their reach. Fit a gate to the living room door or to the stairs. Have a playpen or a safe place to put them for a few minutes when you need to have your hands free.
9. Have fun
10. Why Are You Doing It?
Am I practically perfect in every way? No I'm just trying to do the best I can, but I'm not Mary Poppins!
Good Job Granny Nanny, keep doing what you are doing.
ReplyDeleteThankyou! It's hard work but I love it!
ReplyDeleteGranny Nanny! Love it! This is such a good post. A lot of my friends rely on grandparents for childcare while they work and although it is wonderful to see grandparents and grandchildren having such a close relationship, I know there are often 'issues' on both sides, as you have said with routine, treats becoming regular, or unnecessary advice, or grandparents feeling like they are taken for granted and the parents unwilling to take on board anything they say. I think communication is the key on all sides really. I love your rules though and it is great you have thought so much about how you see your role. x
ReplyDeleteThankyou for the encouragement, I'm very new at this! I must admit it's easier for me because I have a wonderful daughter in law and we talk. We go out for coffee together, we went to baby club together! I also have a very sensible husband who for the first few weeks after Bear was born said to me "its not your baby" more times than I care to mention Lol.
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