Just as it is important for a business to “know your customer” it is important for a grandparent to “know your grandchild”.

1. KYG - Know Your Grandchild
Just as it is important for a business to “know your customer” it is important for
a grandparent to “know your grandchild”. While most people would agree that
parenting has become a difficult and unenviable task, grandparents could never
have had it better, because they seem to be able to gel with their grandkids. So
much so that most grandparents like their grandkids to a fault and will tolerate
anything to keep them happy. However, it is a unique responsibility that you
have as a grandparent, and doing justice to your role is very important.

2. Is the role of a grandparent relevant in today’s computer age?
Today, the scenario is quite different from what it was a couple of decades ago.
Today, most of the parents are working couples as two incomes are not just
preferable, they have become essential to maintain the family and meet the
basic expenses. While some are interested in pursuing a career, most others
work because they need they need the money. Whatever be the reason, it is the
children who are left in the lurch. The emotional support that the kids need is
given by the loving grandparents who take it upon themselves to look after the
needs of their grandchildren.

3. Is there something called generation gap?
While the generation gap applies to kids and their parents, most of the kids find
it easier to get along with their grandparents. Moreover, the grandparents
realize that they have an important role in moulding the children to make them
responsible citizens of tomorrow. Of course, sometimes their over enthusiasm
leads to problems as children tent to resent such interferences even for small
things. However, whenever there is an argument between the kids and their
parents, it is the grandparents who play the role of mediators and see that the
issue does not escalate into a full blown argument.

4. Sometimes the parents themselves are to be blamed
At times, due to work related stress or financial issues parents tend to lose
their temper at the slightest provocation. The parents tend to take if off on
their children and the grandparents are left watching helplessly. In such
instances, what should a grandparent do? Is it necessary to interfere and put a
stop to the argument, or remain discreetly silent? This is a rather tricky
situation, and the best course of action for the grandparents is to broker peace
and diffuse the situation as delicately as possible.

5. Missing the grandkids when they are away
There are several families where the sons have found gainful employment
overseas and decided to settle there for good. Due to various reasons, mainly
cultural issues, traditions and customs, the parents do not follow the children
to a foreign land. In such cases they get to see their grandchildren once in a
couple of years or so. This separation and the compulsion to live away from the
kids is very difficult for the grandparents to handle. However, not to be cowed
down by such things the ingenious grandparents use the Internet and various
technical tools like Skype and email to keep in constant touch with the children.

6. The roles grandparents have to play
As responsible grandparents you have important roles to play. One such role is
to play mentors and guides to the grandchildren and teach them about the
good things in life. Grandparents can also lend a helping hand to their children,
especially their daughter while she is going through her first pregnancy. The
moral and physical support that you can give them during this period will help
them tide through the crisis and face all difficulties with a smile.

7. Author bio
Ananya Shelters through its signature project Ananya’s Nana Nani Homes
envisages an adorable residence for the retired with best ever modern day
amenities and dedicated residential services to make life after 50s stress free,
self-reliant and enlivening.