"Grandparenting " course, would you go? ?

Noted!!!

Agreed!

I don’t think I would attend a course as being grandma came naturally to me. I came from a large family.I did ask about changes on how babies are cared for these days and my family were happy to share. I just adored the little critters and although we do not live nearby we have a very special bond. We all adore each other children now age 10-8 and 4. I spent time with them as often as I could. We sang nursery rhythms. Spent hours crafting. They loved my made up stories and generally our time spent together was for fun Perhaps the iPad/internet generations have missed this bonding process and need a little help.

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Oh, I don't know it all at all.

I'd forgotten it was a good idea to give a baby a toy to play with when changing her nappy.

Reading some of the comments I'm guessing for some a course might be a good idea! Entitled know-it-alls who believe it a waste of time.

For me, it's unlikely I'll have GC so be grateful for the opportunities given, alone.

MissAdventure

My friend who I supported at work said he was taught right from first being at school.
When I intelligently (!) asked "But why, you can speak well"?
He said "Ah, but a lot of my friends couldn't".

I suppose it may be different because he went to a school for people with learning disabilities.

My GCs nursery taught it to all their children. It seemed to be done mostly through just signing all the time. I only realised what was happening when GD was eating. If she liked something she signed "more" at a very early age and was very cross that I didn't understand

My friend who I supported at work said he was taught right from first being at school.
When I intelligently (!) asked "But why, you can speak well"?
He said "Ah, but a lot of my friends couldn't".

I suppose it may be different because he went to a school for people with learning disabilities.

Makaton has its uses and is very valuable as a start for nonverbal children as well as children with ASC. The only problem about teaching it across the board is when and by whom.
Biggest problem I had was explaining the signing for milk to children in inner-city Liverpool.

MissAdventure

Pushchairs could do with a course devoted just to them.

😂😂😂

The first time we were left in charge of DGD1 and this new-fangled app-singing, all-dancing pushchair, we decided to take her for a walk.
The pushchair kept folding up with baby inside so we abandoned the walk.

Prams were so much more simple.

I really don't understand why it isn't taught across the board.

Children seem to pick it up quickly.

My autistic Grandson had to use Makaton before he could talk and occasionally he still uses it. I had to learn it as I was looking after him but I've already forgotten it!

MissAdventure

I've been quite interested lately in videos showing how soon a baby can learn to sign what they want - long before they can talk.

I would be nervous about having responsibility for a small baby now, without at least instructions (written ones!)

It was fascinating. My GD took to it more than my GS and still signed things when she could talk.

I've been quite interested lately in videos showing how soon a baby can learn to sign what they want - long before they can talk.

I would be nervous about having responsibility for a small baby now, without at least instructions (written ones!)

MissAdventure

Pushchairs could do with a course devoted just to them.

I could have done with that course!!!
There were lots of things I learned when my GCs were smaller. The array of equipment necessary for them I would have liked more information and practice. Baby-led weaning had me hovering.waiting for the choking which never came. A course might have made me less anxious. They learned Makaton at nursery and I picked up a little, but more would have been great.
There is so much to learn about children, Lots of people do courses in all sorts of things as they grow older. Why shouldn't one be on Grandparenting?

I thought I'd have to carry grandson around in my arms, secretly.
I was shown lots of times, but I still never got it

missadventure we have them come in the charity shop and I can never open and shut them they are a law unto themselves

Pushchairs could do with a course devoted just to them.

I listened to something about this on the radio this morning. Evidently it’s been asked for by grandparents, with some of the things they need to know e.g. How to tell, which is the front and the back of a disposable nappy.
Reading comments on social media, I think it would only work if parents and grandparents went on the same course. Imagine a grandparent going on a course to learn how to do it that doesn’t match how the parents want you to do it.
With babies I did what was asked re feeding, sleep position etc.
Car seats and push chairs are like microwaves-all different.

Anything I needed to know about grandparenting my DS and DDiL told me.

Aspects of child care, parenting and grandparenting are constantly covered in the media plus any advances in paediatric medecine. If you are widely read you will have read these and imbued the knowledge they contain.

It is always a balancing acts with courses that essentially aim to teach you what you already know. Every course requires in investment of your time - and usually your money, so it is a balance between whether the extra knowledge you gain is worth the investment of your time and money.

icanhandthemback indeed 👍
There's always some new development to take onboard where safety is concerned!

V3ra

icanhandthemback the problem with coats, especially padded ones, and car seats is that you can't fasten the straps snug enough against their body to hold the baby or child securely.
Best advice is to tuck the coat or a blanket round the child, if they need it, on top of the straps.
Most cars are warm enough though these days.

Yes, I know that now but when I first had a grandchild I didn't and that was really my point. These sorts of things would come up on a course for Grandparents which is why I think it is a good idea.

Iam64

kittylester

Surely, people discuss these things with their children.

This

Yes, the parents of the babies might have different ideas from those methods taught on a grandparenting class anyway.

icanhandthemback the problem with coats, especially padded ones, and car seats is that you can't fasten the straps snug enough against their body to hold the baby or child securely.
Best advice is to tuck the coat or a blanket round the child, if they need it, on top of the straps.
Most cars are warm enough though these days.

One thing I didn't realise is that nowadays parents are advised to remove coats whilst using a car seat. Apparently it is unsafe. That wasn't a problem in my day...you didn't even have to have a seat!
Babies are less wrapped up too as heat is a problem. I have sat listening to people criticising a parent because the child is much less dressed than it was in our day but the parent is actually doing the right thing. So many little things that don't seem much but can make quite a difference.