Many years ago my bride and I attended a seminar on Self Esteem. It was presented by a real credible teacher, Jack Canfield “CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL” guy. One of the tenants of Self Esteem is to go after and/or ask for what you want. I remember him telling us that most people are not mind readers and they may not know what it is that you want. I would definitely place Grandchildren in that category.
Since you are reading this I can easily garner that you are a Caring Grandparent or want to become one. Even if neither of those are true it is an essential strategy to living a more meaningful life.
Let me just step out here on the high diving board and assume that you would like more meaningful relationships and communications with your Grandkids. Once again I doubt that this is all they are thinking about all day long. As Mark Victor Hanson (the other CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL) guy asks, Am I right or am I right?
I am blabbering on to make the point that if you ask your Grandkids better questions you will probably connect better.
Many years ago I went to a new dentist for some specialty work. I noticed a picture of his three kids on the window sill. I ask if those were his kids and with not a second of hesitation he rattled off their names, ages and several great qualities about each of them. Dr. Ralph is what I call a “Good Seer and Good Sayer”.
Just imagine what a positive life force we can become if we hold each Grandkid, or for that matter each person we care about, front of mind with their good qualities on display.
I will challenge you to do that and have anything but a really good day. I also challenge you to Seize this Day and share it with the ones you hold in such esteem.
Thanks for being a Caring Grandparent, GRANDPA NEIL