How many of us have said to our children, out of sheer frustration, “You just wait until you have kids of your own.” Well for many of us, that day has arrived and what a blessing it is. What a gift. Grandparents the world over are all alike. All of us think our grandkids are the smartest, the kindest and the best, which of course is very true. Take my four grandkids as an example. I must say these kids are amazing, each a little different in their own way which makes them all the more wonderful and unique. 
 
The relationship between these two generations is a give and receive one. 

Grandkids are so good for one’s ego and soul. They keep you young. They love you unconditionally. In their eyes you are very wise, funny, and sometimes downright weird. Grandmas can keep their secrets, cure their hurts with a kiss and forgive them immediately for any wrong doings. Negative behaviour is never reported to their parents because everyone lives by the motto, “What happens at Grandma’s, stays at Grandma’s.”
 
At a very early age they become teachers, changing the way you think, see and do things.

Swearing on my part was curtailed. A few times I was reprimanded for using the ‘S’ word. When I strongly denied saying “that” word, I was quickly informed by 3-year-old Griffin that the word “Stupid” was not “appropriate language.” Good Lord, where do they learn this vocabulary. Because I needed some way to express myself, the saying, “Oh, For Pete’s Sake,” was adopted. At least it got a passing grade and was considered acceptable. 
 
I learned new jargon from 2-year-old Claire. One day as she walked by me in a twisted, squirming manner, I asked her if she needed to go to the bathroom. “Oh no, Grandma.” she replied, “It’s just a wedgie.”   
 
Time management was a lesson taught to me by Mackenna. After a busy morning babysitting this 4-year-old, I told her I needed a ten-minute tea break. The kettle boiled, the tea was made and just as I sat down, she announced, “OK Grandma, time is up. Let’s get cracking”.
 
I watched as their sense of humour developed and enjoyed their jokes. Andrew was around 8 when he asked me, “Grandma, how do you keep a turkey in suspense?” When I responded that I didn’t know, he said, “I’ll tell you tomorrow.” (cheeky little devil)
 
The grandkids are older now and they still amaze me with their wisdom, jokes, kindness and thoughtfulness. Their parents are doing a good job raising them. This summer three of them had summer jobs but I was lucky enough to have all four of them together for a couple of weekends. Grandkids are important to grandparents but grandparents are also important to grandkids. It’s a two-way street. So, here is a message to all grandchildren no matter what age you are. If you are fortunate enough to have a grandparent or two around, give them a call just to say hello and tell them your news. It will make their day.

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