When you become grandparents there is a learning curve. Seems that although we raised our own children, successfully I might add, we appear to have amnesia by the time we become grandparents.
When speaking with a fellow compatriot in the grand parenting world, GB, she commented that they had gone out to dinner with her almost one year old granddaughter and made the mistake of staying out a little too late. What ensued was a horrific car ride home, with one very over tired and sobbing baby.
It's not about you anymore, it's all about baby. Not that we mind. To add to my previous rules for successful grand parenting, somewhere in this blog, these are some additional rules that might be helpful.
1. You have no schedule. The only schedule you should be following is baby's.
2. If you would like to dine out or shop or stroll, please do take advantage of the infant stage. From newborn to say six months they don't take up much room, sleep a lot and you can tote them anywhere, especially if you are lucky enough to have a non-crier and a good sleeper. If you don't, good luck with that.
3. Whether your children are visiting you with grand babies or enlisting your babysitting skills, go to bed early, wake up early, shower and eat your breakfast. You will thank me for this advice. Otherwise once your grand babies wake up, you will go hungry and smell. Because, as mentioned, it's all about baby and there's no time for you.
4. Make life easy. Cook your meals ahead of time for visits. Or bring in. This way baby can stay on schedule and you can eat more leisurely in the comfort of your own home, not at the mercy of a waiter or waitress who sneers when you not only insist on your drink order, but placing your dinner order as well. Babies, no matter how well behaved, can only sit for so long.
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