The Ultimate Gransnet Prize Draw

Grand is all about that D as it was when my grandson stopped calling me gran gran

It is a Grand privilege to live in the same town as my grandsons to share in their weekly highs and lows,winnings and losings,likes and dislikes. I can now play football, ride zip wires and run, cuddles are Grand too.

The grand part for me is just watching the grandkids play, listening to them (try to) talk, getting to know their characters, their foibles... just loving them for who they are.

It's "Grand," as hubby's Highland Granny would say, because you get to enjoy all those marvellous moments of childhood again. Only this time you have the confidence to relax and not worry about "Stuff."
You're also free from the demands of "Stuff to do" as it can all wait until the adored ones have been handed back- thus the focus can be purely on fun & memory making Grandparenthood rocks!

Being that bit of distance allows you to be more objective, keep calm and keep promises/secrets for your kids and grand kids. Experience of your own kids development helps you to be calmer then parents when kids are not progressing according to e books!! Having more free time to spend means that you get more fun and less of the hassles.

Being able to draw on a lifetime of learned patience and experience put the GRAND in grandparenting.

Being able to have all the fun of watching another generation start out in life.

G - good at storytelling, singing songs and nursery rhymes - can do all the funny actions and noises that grandchildren love but their own parents may not have the time to do it

R - relaxed with children - after bringing up their own children - grandparents don't panic and know the best ways to calm and comfort children, no matter the situation

A - always there ... providing unconditional love for parents and grandchildren alike

N - never judgemental - grandparents have brought their own children up and have experienced all the trials and tribulations that come with raising children. They have gained knowledge to pass on to parents and grandchildren in relation to life and its challenges

D - delight - grandparents have reached that wonderful stage in life where you can delight in your grandchildren and experience all the wonder. Quality of life becomes more meaningful and spending time with your children/grandchildren becomes more important than material goods and work.

To me - these things put the 'Grand' in grandparents.

Always being there when needed for anything and everything!

The GRAND in grandparent is having my 3 year old granddaughter sleep over with us - I sleep in the spare room with her, and to hear see and hear breathing next to me is priceless - it moves me to tears!!

being able to spend time with them definatly makes me feel grand.Its not about presents and treats the best things in life are free and will stay with your grandkids long after there new birthday toy has broke.

Having time to play and learn, having day time fun instead of night time nightmares!

Feeling the love, joy and pride in my heart, whenever i see my grandchild.

Having the time to teach skills that the younger generation may otherwise forget whilst having fun

I moved back in with my dad after my mum died and he let me stay even when my 2 babies came along within a few years and it appeared the three of us were taking over the house! He was always on hand to help out and give them cuddles. He loved them with all his heart and they loved him back so much, my little boy now tells everyone that his daddy died but really it was his grandad, they had a very special bond. My dad ensured his grandchildren had a roof over their heads and he was the best grandad (and dad) any child could have ever asked for.

He definitely put the grand into grandparent

Even without spending a dime you can still have a GRAND old time.

Wisdom - The guidance that grandparents can give the younger generation is priceless. Theres also something magical about sitting on an grandparents knee and listening to times gone by

Total love and then you get to give them back!

GRAND means 'the best', 'splendid', 'fantastic' - it means that Grandparents are parents and much much more to those little people who look up to us so much.

Never give advice unless you're asked for it.

What puts GRAND into grand parenting is being there for them without judgement. Listening but not interrupting, offering advice but not dictating. Not forgetting lots of love, cuddles and laughter.

To be a 'grand' sort of grandparent you make your grandchild feel 'grand'! Be that giving them time, love, support or just a welcome smile and hug whenever you get the chance.

Sharing stories about grandchildren and feeling sooo grand about it.

It is that heart warming smile when they come to see you and the unconditional love which emanates from them. It makes you feel so humble and yet so proud.

Being able to hand them back, the best of both worlds