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practicing Mindful Giving

11/27/2019

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Gift giving ettiquette
While I was packing to visit my grandchildren recently, I decided I should pack a small gift for each of them. While I was debating what it should be, I had a thought:
​If I show up with a gift every time I see them, how long will it be before I’m greeted with "What did you bring me?" instead of "DeeDee! I missed you!"
I want them to be happy to see me and their Pops for ourselves, and they are still young enough that they are. I don’t want to set up a habit that will change that. 
 
There’s another issue, too. I’ve heard from young mothers that the sheer amount of stuff from over-indulgent grandparents is a strain on their relationship. “We don’t need 45 stuffed animals that only the dog carries around!” said one, whose mother arrives every few days with a new toy. I know my son and his family have limited space, and I try really hard to make sure that the gifts I give provide joy in their little house, not clutter.
 
With the holidays coming up, take the time to talk to your grandchildren’s parents about what gifts would be welcome. If you want to get something specific, ask if it would be appropriate. If the answer is no, don’t take it personally. If you can’t resist Costco’s great toy deals, go ahead and buy them, then donate them to Toys for Tots or another organization that provides gifts for children who don’t have indulgent grandparents. That way you get the fun of buying, your kids don't end up with stuff they don't want, and best of all, some lucky child will have a happier holiday.
 
If you need ideas for gifts your grandchildren and their parents will love, see my suggestions here.
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​3 Steps to Peace, Love and Being Joyfully Welcomed

11/17/2019

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Sitting in the airport during a layover recently, I overheard a woman talking on her phone to a clearly sympathetic friend. She was complaining that she didn’t get to spend as much time as she liked with her grandchildren, even though she lived just fifteen minutes away from them.
 
She must have had a long layover, too, because her conversation went on and on. Grievance after grievance was aired, including:
  • “I know she says he’s allergic to eggs, but he just gets a little rash on his belly, so I don’t see the harm in them.”
  • “She’s always complaining that I let them stay up too late, but they get so excited at my house that I just can’t get them to go to bed.”
  • “She acts like I have no idea how to raise kids! She gives me all these instructions if I’m watching them. I just do things my way when she’s not around.”
 
If I’d been the kind of person who doles out unwanted advice to strangers in person (instead of on the internet!), I could have told her exactly why her daughter limits her access to her grandchildren. Instead I’m telling you, so you can avoid falling into the same trap. If you want your children to welcome your visits, there are three simple steps.
 
  1. Ask: Ask them how you can help. Ask what the rules are. Ask what you should do about food, gifts, discipline, bedtime, screen time, tummy time. Ask about the best time to visit. Ask again how you can help. 
  2. Listen: Really listen. Make sure you understand. Make notes if you have to. Set an alarm on your phone for bedtime if you have to. Ask for clarification if you need it. Ask again if you’ve forgotten.
  3. Respect: You don’t have to agree with them, but you have to follow the rules. They are the parents, and they have the right and responsibility to raise their children the way they see fit.
 
The third one is the hardest of all, because it requires a mind shift from the roles of a lifetime. As a parent, your children had to play by your rules. But as a grandparent, you have to play by theirs. If you can make that shift, your relationship with your children will be a source of fulfillment instead of frustration, and you will be a welcome and valuable part of your grandchildren’s lives.
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    • Resources
      • New Grandparent Essentials
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