Becoming a Grandmother for the First Time

Author: Jane Underwood
Type: Article
Language: Australian
Length: 571 words
Keyword: Child
Keyword Density: 5/0.87%

I would have to say that there is probably no more welcome news than the announcement that you are going to be a grandmother for the first time.

Whether it is your daughter or your son who is to make you a proud grandparent the initial reaction is the same. How are you going to be able to wait the time patiently until the birth?

Perhaps if it is your daughter who is pregnant you will be more involved with the pregnancy. Don’t forget the old saying – “Your son’s your son till he takes a wife, but your daughter’s your daughter for the rest of her life”.

I suppose it is understandable that your daughter-in-law would be closer to her own mother than to you.

However, the excitement for you will still be there. The end result is a beautiful baby.

Now that you know and everything is official it is time to tell your friends. They will all be excited for you.

The best thing you can do for your daughter or daughter-in-law is to be there for them. Early on they will probably be feeling the effects of morning sickness. Having been there yourself you can assure them that it will pass.

Hopefully, you will be able to go with her when she has a routine ultrasound. When you see the baby in the womb for the first time it all becomes very real. I know that I had a tear in my eye when I first saw my grandchild this way.

It is unbelievable how quickly 9 months passes. There is such a lot to do in that time to prepare for the coming of a little one – even for the grandmother. If you are a knitter there are some lovely patterns for babies and they are so quick to put together because babies are not very big.

The day has finally arrived. Maybe you will be lucky enough to be one of the mother’s support people during labour. Even if not and you are able, you could be one of the first visitors to the newborn. That first cuddle you have with your new grandchild is very important.

Now maybe the time to make sure you are not too pushy. The new little family needs time to adjust to each other and the different roles that now come into play. Of course, offer any support they need but only step in when asked. This maybe hard at first and you may think “been there, done that” but new parents have to learn by themselves. If they want your advice they will definitely ask for it. Such as “what do I do – the baby’s screaming, he/she’s been fed, the nappy’s dry, WHAT’S WRONG!!!”

The relationship you develop with your grandchild will be very special. You probably have more time to spend with them than you did with your own children. You are now more patient and less busy. Or even if you are busy you know that most things can be put off until later if they need a cuddle, or a story read to them or to tell you what they have been doing.

You will be able to watch this child grow. Be there for him or her. Become their confidante, have fun with them. As they get older they will probably tell you things they would not tell their parents. Enjoy this very special journey.