Mel’s Ten Tips: How to be a Hip Grandfather

First tip is: Don’t overdo yourself. We grandfathers aren’t spring chickens. Too much strenuous exercise with grandchildren and we may find ourselves in the hip-replacement, rather than hip, category. Remember that the next time you get down on your knees to be the horse they ride on. (Especially if the grandchild riding on your back is twelve years old and weighs forty kilograms).

Second tip: You should have an agenda. Not yours, theirs. You might want to take your grandchildren to a Picasso exhibition. They might want to go to the playground.

Third tip: Ask your younger grandchildren a lot of questions. Take a picture magazine (wholesome pictures only) and ask them to describe what they see. Sometimes their answers are hilarious and original. And asking a lot of questions saves you from having to answer all of theirs!

Tip four: Record their witticisms. Young children say the most remarkable things. Write them down so you don’t forget. Even better, write a book with them.

Tip Five: Grandparents are there for support and love. Kids have parent(s) who are in charge of their education, their mores, their discipline and their behavior. We are there to support and love them. If you think that you are offering them ‘constructive criticism’, please remember that these two words are dichotomous when it comes to families.

Tip six: Do, don’t show. Kids like to do things. They will be bored if you offer to show them how you waltz, but delighted to dance and sing the dances they know.

Tip seven: Your grandchildren may not want to hug you at a particular stage or phase. Don’t press yourself on them (literally). They will resent it. Hug your own child (their parent) and ask them whether they want to join you. Hugging is great, but it has to be by mutual consent. Even with grandparents.

Tip eight: Pay attention to them. Some of us were preoccupied when we brought up our own kids. Now is our chance to try to make amends with the next generation. Who knows? Our kids might forgive us in the process.

Tip nine: Read the stories that they want to hear. And if they are interested, make up stories togther. You can always share them here on Ourboox!

Tip ten: Love them unconditionally. Praise them. Support them. After all, they are our legacy.