My parents became grandparents at a rather young age, much like my grandparents had. I was 23 when Chloe was born which I guess is quite young by today’s standards. What surprised many is that my own little brother was only 3 at this age. However it meant that my parents were still very much in the childhood stage themselves. This meant I had a ready made babysitter and their house was still child friendly and full of toys.
Likewise Chloe was the first grandchild on her dads side too and they were pretty much the same age as my parents. They live further afield but the children are very close to them. They are lucky kids!
Chloe and her uncle Sam are very close as a result of this. In fact last weekend as Chloe went clubbing for the first time and it was Sam on standby to collect her if she did not ‘get in’ or if she wanted to leave.
Shepherd’s Friendly have put together this fun infographic on how grandparents can be cool and build strong bonds with their grandchildren. It made me realise just how lucky I too have been. My grandparents were cool without even knowing it.
I thought I’d share just some of the memories I have of my grandparents and they are very similar to the support and guidance my three now get from their grandparents.
- Be a rock solid house of love. I regularly stayed at my grandparents houses growing up and they were very involved in my life. We would be taken on holiday by them and to concerts too. I remember Nanny Richards taking us to listen to opera though and getting the giggles.
- Step 2 generosisty, my grandparents supported me always. they would buy us magazines and treats plus often taking us on day trips.
- They were definately tech savvy . We even got Popa Biggs using Facetime at the grand age of 90! He loved the iPad once we had shown him how to use it, he would also like my Facebook posts which always made me laugh! I would often hear him and Erin chatting via Facetime, which is a memory I treasure.
- Share life experiences, again my grandparents were full of advice. Some I took on board other stuff I ignored but I always appreciaated their input. Popa Biggs again gave me great advice on saving.
- Teaching skills, my Nanny Richards taught me to sew, knit and use a sewing machine. I really appreciated that skill when I made curtains for my first home. I was never up to her standard though – she made my bridesmaid dresses and I would not be able to do that!
- Be prepared for the future. Well all of my four grandparents did this from teaching me how to bake to supporting me through university. Did you know that you can save for the future of your grandchildren tax efficiently, in a Young Savers Plan from Shepherds Friendly? My grandparents both supported me, one paid into a savings account from a young age and gave it to me as I headed off to university. The other set gave me a termly allowance. I appreciated it at the time but now I am preparing to support Chloe through uni I appreciate their support all the more. They probably didn’t realise jusst how much their financially support kept me above water and stopped me getting into debt.
