relating to a granddaughter

She will love it when you share books with her. Just do the things you used to do with your son.

I agree in principle with maw, but have to say that our girls really adore their pa and always make a beeline for him. But then so do the boys.

Why should you relate to a granddaughter in any way differently to a grandson?
Children are children and if you think your DGD will only like frills and pink and Barbie and unicorns, you may get a shock!

Not all grandfathers can develop a good relationship with young children. I was an only child, and my father was nerdy and bookish. He had been OK with me as a child, though not really a "fun" father - always wanted to over-explain things if I asked a question. He never really related to his grandchildren - by the time they were born, he was old and in poor health and found them too noisy and boisterous, when at the toddler stage. He did try - would read stories to them occasionally, but couldn't really figure out what what appropriate to their age.

I would have liked him to have had a better relationship with his grandchildren, but had to accept that was the way he was.
LynnK - some of the suggestions from other posters are good and I'd suggest you try, but in the end it's possible that you might be like my dad and find it difficult.

Are you for real, LynnK? Just take your wife's advice.

Have a happy day.

I would use your love of books as an advantage here and keep your eyes peeled for some books for the new little darling. You could instil your love of books onto her, maybe start looking at children’s books for some age appropriate books for when she’s around 6 months plus, you could get cloth ones and there are also hard ones that they can look at but also chew on!
I found a couple of articles for you on what is age appropriate, get looking and good luck! Dilly

www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.mother.ly/5-books-for-baby-to-thrive-what-to-read-so-your-little-one-will-listen-learn-2559470520.amp.html

www.parents.com/baby/development/intellectual/age-by-age-guide-to-reading-to-your-baby/

Don’t worry you will find your role. Our grandchildren 11, 9, 7, 5 and 2 absolutely adore Grandad. He makes up silly songs and makes them laugh. The 5 year old granddaughter has got him wrapped around her little finger and has done since her first set eyes on her. Don’t worry you will find your relationship with her in your own way. Enjoy it - I bet in no time at all you will be reporting back as a besotted Grandad - enjoy.

Your wife is right! And I guarantee that you will need no 'instructions' on how to relate to your granddaughter (when she arrives). Just be you. You will love her, I'm sure. And she will love you right back, no matter how 'nerdish' or 'bookish' you are. You're her granddad! (Congratulations!) Have fun, and enjoy this new chapter of your life.

My wife was a pediatric or neonatal ICU nurse for over forty years. She thinks I'm worrying too much.

I suggest you relax and don’t worry. Let things take their course. Babies and toddlers have a way of worming themselves into your affections and I can’t see that it matters what gender the child is - especially in the first year or so. From my experience, the bond between a grandfather and granddaughter can be a very special one, even for bookish nerds.

By the way, how does your wife feel about the new arrival? Does she share your concerns?

She won't be a young girl, she'll be a baby.

You won't need to relate. Just smile and make soothing noises and leave the rest to her...and time.

I fail to see what being studious and liking books has to do with anything; as far as I know, babies don't care.