Give us your tips on becoming a new grandparent and win a lovely personalised baby gift set

After waiting all that time for this special arrival you find you are biting at the bit to get your hands on this precious little person who has the ability to transform your life altogether,but you have to stand back and be careful not to allow yourself to be overcome and stand on parents toes,let them make their first mistakes and wait to be asked for your help,never ever say "I did it this way" just suggest if asked and then say "its your choice".
This has worked well for mr.G and I over the years and I can say DD has never fallen out with regard to our approach,it has been delightful watching DD grow and mature into a mum in her own right transferring most of the morals she was taught by us over the years,she is not perfect and will admit to that but does a good job and manages very well.

I hope to be alive to see my great grand children and I do not mind if they are just girls.

Frank

A grandparents job is the spoil there grandchildren but keep in mind the parents wishes

When my daughter told me she was expecting i was happy and shocked at the same time. I mean how could my little girl have grown up so quick, i'm sure it was only yesterday i was changing her nappy and then taking her to nursery. But Lily has been the most amazing addition to our family, i love her as much as my own daughter, and the nice thing is that you get to spoil them rotten. I feel so lucky that my daughter allows me to be a big part of her life, and i am watching her grow without all the stress of being a parent. All i can say is be there for your granddaughter without interfering and telling them how you think your child should be bringing up their child. We all learnt by making mistakes and they will do the same, if they need your help and advice then you can be there with all the wisdom of your years of experience. But most importantly just enjoy your grand children

Think about what you are about to say before you say it!

Don't give advice unless asked. If you are living a long way from your Grandchild, try to travel to see them as often as you can in the first few years to build a good relationship.

I live a long way away from my Granddaughter, now six, and send her a postcard or letter at least once a week and talk to her on the phone as often as possible.

I am a nana 4 times over, and am just about to be a great great aunt to a little boy, so I bet his mum and dad would love this Royal set, as he is due any time now, might even turn out to be the same day! I will only ever give advice if asked for it, but be there whenever I can to help out with anything I can. So that is my advice. After all I have just sat through a month of chicken pox with the two youngest ones, and helped throughout, as mum did not get much sleep, as you can imagine! And they have to go back home to New Zealand next week, so have never had quite such a spotty holiday, one after the other, so will not forget it in a hurry, forced to quarantine ourselves!

Just remember that its not your baby and take a step back, you may want to take over because you've done it before but they have to find out for themselves. Just be there when they ask!!!!!!!!!

dont take over too much and enjoy the fact you can give them back when they cry!

Spend more time listening to the needs of the 'parents', rather than giving your opinions!!
A happy and relaxed parent = happy relaxed child for you to enjoy as well.

Try not to interfere or be around too much, news parent need there space even if they are you child. Do not offer too much advice unless asked for it.

OFFER THE ADVICE WHEN ASKED

If you're asked for advice don't be offended if it isn't taken also try to remember how you felt when you were a new parent especially about well meaning grandparents

I would say to stay in the background. Let the parents make the decisions and make the mistakes, but always be there to help and guide if and when needed.

Don't interfere!
It is her baby.
If she asks for advice:- give it! Never volunteer it!

Enjoy every minute you are allowed with the new baby and respect the new parents wishes - remember things have changed since your child was a baby!

I had to learn how to fit in without getting in the way as a step-grandma which I did by acknowledging how great it is for my step DIL to have her mum close by as is just what she needed to hear with a new baby in the house. Giving my step-son the support to be a great dad and listening to umpteen stories of nappies, feed times and bottles was a great way to help out as I was tidying round and putting some meals in the freezer. Giving lots of encouragement and letting my step DIL know that she's doing a fantastic job has really strenghtened our relationship. I'm looking forward to being an important part of my "step" grandson's growing up!

My advise would be, dont interfere unless asked, keep your opinions to yourself, interfering Grandparents can be a nightmare. when my daughter had my grandaughter i let her get on with it but i let her know i was always here if she needed me or any advise, hense one happy daughter & one fabulous grandchild & a big happy family.

my two are 3 and 10 months both boys, I love them to bits and help out with childcare when my daughter in law is working.

I just play with them take them to the park,read to them and generally enjoy their company. I love it now the eldest one remembers things we have done, like recently singing the rainbow song and joins in with me

When asked for advice do not commit straight away in case it causes problems, reply with just trust your instinct, it usually right.

I'm going to be writing a book about our family, to give to my grandchildren when they're older. This will be the greatest gift I can give. I'm so sorry that I didn't find out more about my grans life before she died. So much family history lost.

take lots of photos!!!

1. Never offer unsolicited advice or if asked be cautious!
2. Don't laugh when they tell you the name the have chosen
3. Never offer help, wait to be asked
4. Don't enter into competition with the in laws
5. Remember it's their baby not yours.