Coming to terms with grandchildren growing up

I often reflect on how even my four year old grandson is no longer the baby he was, and our interaction has consequently changed. I expect it will keep changing, a bit like it did with my own children. I try to prepare myself for that. However, with two more grandchildren (2 years old, and 4 months respectively) and a little sister to the 4 year old, I have some time ahead of babies and little ones.

I have one GC he is ten going on twenty growing up so fast I do feel a bit sad as he an only child and although I have another DD she and her partner don't want any children I do have a son so I'm keeping my fingers crossed I will be blessed with another GC one day.

Hope not Bellanonna, university first

My dgs is the eldest dgc at 8 years and it's wonderful to see her develop. She and I can nothing together so much better. Last week we both went to a craft event and made decorations from oranges and cloves. Large fabulous snowflakes from white paper and staples. You don't lose them, it just changes, and not for the worse.

You will probably be a GG Annie. How lovely. I won't be here for that but I'm loving every stage of the GC, now 3, 3 and 1 1/2. I love to watch their progress and find them more interesting than when they were babies. Each age has its rewards.

So much more to come, my grandchildren are 23, 18 and 16, each stage brings so much joy, you become their keeper of secrets, the please Grannie explain to dad I need that new dress , the 16 year old doesn't call me Grannie, she calls me Bro, this week brought a need for hugs for an 18 year old who had split from her first boy friend of six months !

My hope now is a fourth grandchild next year , have waited twenty years for this one.

I feel the same spotsandstripes, I love babies but no more coming my way. I do have 4 amazing GC and 2 step GC, so I am lucky. they range from 8 to 22.

morethan - never mind. In a few years, great-grandchildren might come along!

Welcome. My 8th and probably last grandchild goes to school next year and like you there's a pang of sadness. Especially as it's the year I'm due to retire. Friday's is their 'Nanna day" we were in the car last Friday when she piped up "Nanna when I go to school next year I'm going to tell them I can't come on a Friday because it's Nanna's day! I said nowt but thought to myself " good luck with that" still there's school holidays. My older ones 20,18,15,14 are still pleased to see me but as expected don't want to cuddle up anymore. I still get a peck on the cheek and a 'love you nan.' I've given them memories to treasure, just as they have for me. Great isn't it

My late mil was brilliant with her GC as babies and toddlers but once they had opinions of their own she became really quite unpleasant. DD once drove half way across England from uni to visit her (when she could not afford the petrol and worked nights as a carer to fund uni) mil greeted her at the door with "I dont suppose you look after that car properly do you?" It was so hurtful. She preferred the elder GD and made it quite clear to younger GD - whenever younger child passed an exam or got selected for a GB (she is an athlete) she was accused of showing off!!!! Luckily the girls are v close and laughed it off, but I was furious OH did not challenge her behaviour. So what I am trying to say is that as they change they actually can become more interesting and you can have fun with them in other ways. My own mother adored both of them and it was reciprocated. She always was up to speed with their subject choices, sports teams, even their friends names etc. I must remember to do that as my GC get older.

well said Hilda its the fact that babyhood and childhood pass that makes it interesting: some poor people have babies and children that remain a child all their lives. They're the ones who should be feeling sorry for themselves.

'Coming to terms with grandchildren growing up'....I'm sorry but what the hells wrong with that....the fact that they are growing up into interesting wonderful fascinating people is hardly something to feel sorry about.

My youngest DGD is 5 and thoroughly enjoying all the festive nonsense. She has an older sister of 15 who reassures me that we don't lose our GDCs as they grow.
We have long chats, lunches together and shopping trips.
DS gets married in May and they're keen to start a family in a couple of years so fingers are crossed for another one or two?????
Welcome to GN!

Spotsandstripes just enjoy them while you may you can have fun with teenagers, before you know it along comes a Great Grand child like me, the first was born last june to my oldest granddaughter and there is another one due in June next year, so my daughter is a grandma already.

Welcome spotsandstripes. We have a 6 month old granddaughter, but I'm almost certain she will be the last grandchild, so we are soaking it up, making memories to last a lifetime. There's still loads of fun to be had with a 6 year old - and 7, 8, 9 and so on. Enjoy every stage!
Congratulations ONW, what a lovely piece of unexpected news

That is what I thought not long ago - the youngest is now five and going to school and I felt quite sad to think I would never hold a new-born baby again or cuddle a toddler ... until my son announced there will be another one in May next year - unplanned, unexpected, but now very much wanted and looked forward to by everyone. As long as he gets the loft extension finished on time

Cultural her friendship spotsand

My DD only has boys and would have loved a girl, so she has cultivated a wonderful relationship with her 4 & 6-year old nieces and they go shopping together and out for lunch.

My DD has terrible dress sense and recently they steered her away from yet another of the silly tops she favours and persuaded her to buy something much more appropriate and classy.

Out of the mouths of babes???

Welcome spotsandstripes ?

I'm loving Duplo and toy cars second time round- and making a mess in the bathroom with bubbles and crazy foam!

Don't worry, by then you'll be in your second childhood and enjoying Duplo etc yourself!

Welcome, by the way