The Ultimate Gransnet Prize Draw

The GRAND represents for me what a BONUS in my life they have been...
multiplied by thosuands! They made me feel useful and needed again.

The Grand stands for the fact that you get to experience the GRAND parts of their lives, the love, the fun and laughter, the awe of watching them turn into the wonderful little people they were always meant to be. You also mainly miss out on all the HARD parts like the sleepless nights, some of the tantrums etc.

Having two little grandchildren has given hubby and I a whole new lease of life. We've done the cruises, and indulgent holidays, now we like to go to the local park and play on the swings, or to the seaside and build sandcastles. We have a garage full of outdoor toys. Hard to believe our garage used to be so tidy. Our garden has a trampoline and set of swings. It's like be parents again, but more fun. I can just see life with the grandchildren getting better and better.

GRAND to look after them
GRAND to hand them back to happy and rested parents

Being a friend for life. Priceless.

Grand is being there for grandchildren and in a loving relationship thats different to the one they have with their parents

Being gracious enough to help when required but not to criticise or tut when things are not done the way you used to - back in the day. Remembering that positives and negatives often go hand in hand and grandchildren are most definitely the best thing since sliced bread! Myself - I am just over the moon waiting for our granddaughter to be born any day now. Bring it on! Next! . We are all doing a very grand job I am sure.

Having a bigger family to love and little ones that shine a light into your life.

Best thing about being a Grandparent is being able to say haha to your children when they complain about broken nights, fussy eaters, tantrums in shoeshops etc. it's not having to suffer any of the above, but enjoy the fun things, some more little people to make a fuss of and spoil with things you know their parents will hate but they will love e.g. Sparkly kitten T shirts

It wasn't snide Aka! I contributed my realistic comments and I was looking forward to yours to counteract the schmaltz.

Didn't know it was obligatory to contribute MiceElf so why the snide remark?

Grandparents have been through it all already, they're more chilled about things, have lots of fun and patience and I think in general there's a special connection.

OK here goes, Aka (waiting for your contribution too)

The chance to change endless dirty nappies
Discovering regurgitated milk on the back of your jumper
Being interested in endless games of snakes and ladders
Ditto for jigsaw puzzles, complicated 'bored' games, marble runs - and retrieving marbles - and matching games.
Reading endless stories
Wiping snotty noses
Shortening school trousers, sewing name tapes into uniform
Answering endless questions
Resolving disputes

And not being awarded a GBG (great British grandparent)

Have we really got to put up with this until 5th October? Can it at least be moved off the forum to its own little slot somewhere so those of us who like to actually chat can do so undisturbed?

Hi Aka! Perhaps the comp should be only open to those who were members before this comp was announced!!

The GRAND in Grandparent is simply the brilliant feeling of love you experience with them. How lucky are we, having experienced our children growing up, then being able to see it all over again!

Who are you all? I'm looking to see if anyone actually bothers to answer (apart from REAL) forum users.

The GRAND in grandparenting means
Getting up enjoyably when they wake you very early
Reading the same story over and over and over again with pleasure
Answering every question honestly
Noticing and praising change in their development
Deciding when NO is a necessary answer

I have never visited the GRAND Canyon. No one in my family has lived to a GRAND old age. I was always too shy to make a GRAND entrance in GRAND style in order to utter a GRAND statement. I have no desire to love in a GRAND Design's style house although my parents did have a baby GRAND piano. Living on a pension does not result in a GRAND total in the bank at the end of each month.
But... 3 years ago I became a GRANDmother and it is the best place to be in the world.

Giving of your hard-earned retirement years to help nurture the next generation!

G - gracious
R - resourceful
A - affectionate
N - nurturing
D - dependable

Lot's of things.

Being served and eating imaginary ice cream and chips in your DGCs playhouse whilst crouching on the floor.

Having a vaguely incomprehensible phone call with a toddler who has demanded to speak to Grandma.

Having your grandchild insisting on sitting next to you, just because you are Grandma.

Being able to get some "hands on again" with bathing a young child and getting them snuggled into bed.

Watching a toddler delight in exploring the things we take for granted and barely notice now.

Hearing how their language has developed over the two weeks since you last saw them.

I have always loved being a Mum and never thought that this feeling could be bettered. One by one, though, my ten grandchildren and one great grandson came into the world and brought with them more love than any one person deserves. What could be more GRAND than that. I thank God everyday for sending me these amazing people!

GRAND in grandparenting is the GIGANTIC joy in watching them GROW while having GREAT times being GOOD for each other.

The GRAND in grandparenting is the GIGANTIC joy of watching them grow through the GREAT times spent together being GOOD to each other.