Thanking step son

Hi i would suggest a family photo shoot with there new arrival so they can cherish the memories, as i did this for my daughter and son in law and one of the pictures is hanging over my fireplace to look at everyday.

prburgess - what a lovely change from other threads on here about family conflicts.
Certainly send a card, but also offer your practical help if necessary. Be careful about financial offers of help.
What does your wife say about it?
Having been a step grandma, and husband a step grandad for many years.

I'm not so sure a restaurant voucher is such a good idea to be honest. Most new mums are very reluctant to leave a baby under two with anyone. This goes doubly if she's breastfeeding.
I thought for mom maybe one of those necklaces with 3 interlocking circles that have their names on a circle each.
There's something similar but more manly for dad's.
X

Have a look on Etsy they do loads of lovely personalised cards that are always very reasonably priced and just a little different. I’m sure you will find something that would be appropriate. Good luck

Grumps you sound a lovely person, the new baby is so lucky to have you in her life.Havent any ideas to give you unfortunately,hugs from me.

JuliaM yes you're right, the account my daughter opened for my granddaughter is the one I contribute to ?

When my son was born I bought my father a book from the Cancer Research Shop called The Grandparents Book. It had lots of questions that a child might ask and he wrote his replies. Things like ‘where did you first meet Grandma’ and ‘what was she wearing’ and ‘what did you think’
It’s a lovely book and he filled it in with his usual Yorkshire dry wit! We hear his voice in every page!

You May find something similar on the Internet?
You sound a lovely Grumps - Good Luck, these baby days go so fast!

Whilst paying money into a Grandchilds saving account is a good idea, the banking rules have changed recently, and it's now only the Childs parents who can open the account on their behalf. This is apparently to stop Grandparents from investing large sums of money for themselves, and collecting the higher tax free interest rates, before withdrawing the funds and pocketing a fair amount back for themselves. As l understand it now, most Childrens savings accounts continue without any withdrawals of funds until the child reaches adulthood, then the funds will be paid to them directly, not via a third party.

Personally, if you want to celebrate your pleasure at being fully accepted into their lives, I would just tell them so.

I know it is different but I have thanked my sons/daughters in law for being generous and kind with me and my husband, for making time for us, for supporting my adult children (their wives/husband, partners) and simply for loving them. I have told them all how lovely it is to be part of their families too. It is from the heart (as is yours) and it’s good to say it in real life.

Those of us with good relationships (and one did set off on the wrong foot initially) are truly privileged. Many on Gransnet struggle and I’m acutely aware of my good fortune - you are aware of yours. Tell them so. Gifts/extras/ offers of help can come after. They will undoubtedly be pleased to hear it.

Thinking of you and others who are lucky. And sending good wishes to others less fortunate. ?

I don’t know how this family operate but I would not have felt at all positive towards anyone who thought that this was a good idea:
arranging for an evening out for the new parents, along with informing them that you will babysit.

Not all parents want this. Be careful! And certainly don’t inform them...

How about a meal out for Stepson & Wife which you pay for and you babysit whilst they have a couple of hours to themselves?

Apple gran,
What a fabulous idea I think I’m going to steal it !

have a look online .theres some really nice thankyou ones.the ones in the shops are really bland .or you could make one..if you a crafty person.treat them to afternoon tea at a local hotel ..etc..

There's a lady online who does lovely very cute hand drawn cards, mugs, little hangings. I've had items off her and can recommend. Its called Blackshoe.

Have been there and understand your need,

How about a voucher for an afternoon tea, along with the offer of babysitting while they go?

Congratulations Grumps

What a lovely story and a lucky little granddaughter to have you in her life.

I have two granddaughters. When they were born we did a couple of the above ideas but also bought them a Jellycat bunny which they both loved and still in both their bedrooms now at ages 10 and 14.

The one precious gift for you granddaughter as she grows is, your time, priceless and so much appreciated

I wish a happy future and lots of fun times with your granddaughter ??

I think that arranging for an evening out for the new parents, along with informing them that you will babysit would be great. Love the idea of a little gift for their daughter and perhaps a similar gift for her mum?
Why not also give them a thank you card with a note in it just saying thankyou for making me part of the family?

I think I might look for an opportunity during normal conversation - your main point is how accepting they were to you when you were new in their lives. If the topic of conversation touches on that time in your lives that would be a good time to say "I have always appreciated how welcome you made me feel right from the beginning" and don't dwell on the point too long in order to avoid any embarrassment.

When I had my first grandchild I - naturally - took photographs. But I also thought we would forget so much about the early weeks of her life, and she would of course not remember, so I wrote her a letter - telling her things like that her father had left for work and came back to give her an extra kiss, and later that when I took her to the park in a pram she waved to the trees, because they waved to her in the wind. It came to be a habit - whenever I spend time with grandhildren I write to them, including photos - and I tell them what happened, what they said, or news from their lives. My grandhcildren call these the "What we Did' letters and they LOVE them! After 10 years I had a book made of the letters and gave one to each family member - there was silence while they read them, and then a loud cry from the youngest "At last! I've been born!" These letters are so valued by all the family - a unique gift. You might want to consider writing "What we Did' letters from time to time, including picures of the child and the whole family - I think they will love these while they are children and later as adults with their own families.

Another idea is to buy a charm bracelet - you can then add charms for special occasions and outings that you share in the future so it becomes a bracelet of ‘Grumps’ memories for her

Thanks for that, the savings account is a brilliant idea, shall be doing that ?

It's nice to read about such a lovely relationship within an extended family,so often its problematic.
The savings account and voucher are both good ideas, sounds like you are a lovely family and they will appreciate any token from you.

My granddaughter has a savings account which I contribute to every month. I was careful to set my standing order up for less than her parents put in though, I didn't want it to look like I was trying to upstage them.

Maybe start a small savings account for baby. I am sure that will be appreciated

Thankyou,, I'll have a look