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Grandparenting

The hardest thing of being a gandma

(42 Posts)
Summerlove Sun 01-Sept-19 23:29:23

“Weird sisters”?? Because it’s not up to a grandparent what a child eats?

Because there can be larger issues at play?

GagaJo Sun 01-Sept-19 22:49:55

FunOma ignore the weird sisters, there are more than 3, but just as nasty.

Your worry shows your care and love. ❤️

EllanVannin Sun 01-Sept-19 22:33:14

A jelly sandwich ? My giddy aunt, it gets worse.

MissAdventure Sun 01-Sept-19 22:24:38

Best I make no comment here.

Anniebach Sun 01-Sept-19 22:22:22

ooops, thank you Bathsheba . Cold macaroni cheese ?

Chewbacca Sun 01-Sept-19 22:15:56

No MissA. Spam isn't allowed. That's junk food. Allegedly.

Bathsheba Sun 01-Sept-19 22:15:52

Annie I think she means macaroni cheese (mac and cheese)

MissAdventure Sun 01-Sept-19 22:14:28

Is this spam?!

Chewbacca Sun 01-Sept-19 22:14:12

Can't remember the last time I read such a load of old tripe.

The hardest thing of being a grandma is watching what your grandchildren eat? Really?

Some grandparents never actually get to see their grandchildren at all.
Some grandparents have to witness their grandchildren being in the middle of parental conflict and see the pain it causes.
Some grandparents see their grandchildren suffering with physical, mental and anxiety illnesses and witness the pain that causes both grandchild and their parents.
Some grandparents know that "jelly and white bread" isn't a lifestyle choice; its because that's all their parents can afford to feed them on. Heard of foodbanks OP?

and I wouldn't thank you for zucchini bread either

Here FunOma, have this grip.... I think you need it.

Anniebach Sun 01-Sept-19 22:07:57

I don’t understand American food, is a ‘leftover Mac’
one of those MacDonald burger things ?

I have never been in a MacDonalds, if they sell more than burgers sorry.

Doodledog Sun 01-Sept-19 22:07:19

I think we all do our best in our own way. I would have hated to think that what I did 'hurt' my mother or my MIL - I had enough to worry about trying to do the best I could for my own children.

Yes, I made mistakes (who doesn't?) and yes, I have regrets; but not about how my parenting impacted on my own parents. That would be bonkers.

Oswin Sun 01-Sept-19 22:01:17

Gagajo why were you hurt when your daughter stopped breastfeeding?

ElaineI Sun 01-Sept-19 21:58:49

Eh?????

Tangerine Sun 01-Sept-19 21:43:26

GagaJo - I am sorry you were hurt when your daughter gave up breastfeeding but it is very painful and difficult for some people. I know I ended up with an abscess and it was awful.

Hardest thing for me - not sure yet. They're very little.

GagaJo Sun 01-Sept-19 21:37:12

So many things.

Yes, food is one, but my daughter isn't as bad as your DiL. But still, she didn't like breast feeding so stopped which hurt. Plus I know some days (when I'm working) he doesn't eat a vegetable.

Hearing him get shouted at. Yes he's annoying, but he's little.

Parental lack of consideration about his education.

His absent father.

The mess he lives in (mum is v untidy).

Worry about what ifs, if absent father DOES come back.

Possible accidents, snatching, illness, choking.

Becoming estranged from my daughter and not being allowed to see him.

I too get castigated for being a bad mother, despite my efforts in her education, diet, activities etc. I've come to the conclusion that whatever I did I'd have been wrong.

Anja Sun 01-Sept-19 21:26:14

The hardest part is witnessing what they eat?

You lucky person if that’s the least of your worries.

FunOma Sun 01-Sept-19 21:05:45

Always have considered myself a good mom, although I now (62) have learned that I have emotionally neglected both my children (35 and 33) to a degree, as most parents have, and do, according to Dr. Jonice Webb. You can find her on Youtube. View a brief interview here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJ0Ntv6myFM I have her book "Running on Empty" and it is an eye-opener about parenting styles. My adult son who is not a reader (!), took an immediate interest in it and has recognized himself in various examples described.

But as far as the practical side of parenting goes, I fed our children healthy foods and steered clear of chips, sweets and soda. Reserved all that for special occasions including birthdays. I have been guilty of feeding my kids cereal most mornings, but always sent a healthy lunch with them to school. They were the kids with the most unusual lunches; like leftover mac & cheese with a bit of salad grin .

So, for me the hardest thing of being a grandparent now is to witness what the grandkids get to eat! Our oldest grandson who is a shared custody child, gets to eat sugared mini donuts for breakfast, and drinks soda when he is with his mom, my ex DIL! On the mornings she used to drop him off at my house so I could take him to school, I always saw to it he got to eat something healthy like a slice of whole grain, reduced sugar, pumpkin or zucchini bread (he also loved boiled eggs to scoop out) and made sure he drank a cup of milk. The lunches his mom sends along for school are those horrid Lunchables, or a jelly sandwich made with white bread.

What are your challenges as a grandparent?