My mother has four daughters and five grandchildren. When my eldest sister was pregnant my mother announced that she would not babysit and be the typical grama so don't ask. We didn't. She lives her life for herself. Always has. Her love has always been conditional. She now wonders why her grandchildren aren't close to her. My daughter is the youngest grand child at 13. So sad.
My husband's mother is a sweetie pie Grama. While she lives 7 hours away and has debilitating physical challenges (due to age), she never misses an opportunity to know what's going on in her grandchildren's lives. There's a giggle, compliment, encouragement and praise...always.
We don't have family living near us so we've added family type relationships where we are. Two doors down are the sweetest couple who have taken on a mild grandparenting role for our daughter. She loves these folks and visits them often..so nice to have them in our neighborhood. :o)
I know for certain I'll never be like my mother..in mothering or grandparenting. I look forward to the day my daughter will marry and begin a family!
There's a cute saying I heard: "If I knew how much fun grandchildren were going to be, I'd have had them first!"
That HAD to be written by a Grandparent.
How's the floor going, btw????????