Feature Articles
Being a “grand” grandparent
Mary Gosche, Human Development Specialist, University of Missouri Extension
Becoming a grandparent for the first time is a real
grand experience. Having two degrees in home economics
made me think that I would know everything one needed to
know about being a grand grandparent. However, things
have changed and I have learned new things already.
What changes are there in taking care of infants?
The first big change that I learned of is that a baby
should be laid on his/her back to sleep. Research
supports this practice because it decreases the
incidence of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).
Another change is that most people use disposable
diapers. Cloth diapers are now primarily used for
spit-up and burp cloths. Newborns even have their own
style of disposable diapers with an indentation for the
naval. Soiled diapers now go in "diaper genies" for
disposal.
Our new mothers are very informed and many are breastfeeding their babies. Expensive breast pumps seem to be on everyone’s gift registry. These new breast pumps come with many storage bottles and bags to freeze breast milk, which is helpful for the new mom-on-the-go.
When my daughter was a baby twenty five years ago, I
made a bed ruffle with a matching bumper pad. Now I have
learned that bumper pads reduce the flow of fresh air
around the baby during sleep. The American Academy of
Pediatrics (AAP) suggests that some infants, when they
are overheated or lack sufficient oxygen during sleep,
are unable to rouse themselves enough to prevent death.
The AAP states that re-breathing of air may in fact be a
contributing factor to SIDS. A safe crib should have a
firm, tight-fitting mattress, no broken hardware or
slats and no cutouts in the head or foot boards. Slats
should be no more than 2 3/8” apart. Corner posts should
not be higher than 1/16”.
Baby bottles is a subject that is endless. There are glass, plastic, plastic inserts, natural shaped, etc. You can find information on the internet and in parenting books about the different types of bottles to determine which type is best suited for your baby.
Things that I know about grandparenting
I know that grandchildren who have a close
relationship with their grandparents become responsible,
caring adults who are less likely to fear aging
themselves. Grandparents can be a real positive role
model in the lives of their grandchildren.
Grandparents should determine and create specific
roles for themselves with their grandchild. Do you want
to have a playful relationship? Will you be responsible
for the care and discipline of your grandchildren? Will
you primarily be the reservoir of family wisdom? Will
you have brief contacts with your grandchildren or will
you see them frequently? Will you indulge your
grandchildren or will you save for their education and
their future?
Communicating and playing as often as you can with
your grandchildren is easy advice for most grandparents.
Through play, communicate your interests and share
family history and culture. Always respect the adult
children’s choices and parenting styles. And, as a grand
grandparent, keep up with new parenting approaches.
Remember, your grandchildren need to hear the three magic words - “I love you” - from you often. Give the gift of time to your grandchildren and reap the benefits from the time that is given.
Last Updated 05/05/2009
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