MEET PEOPLE WHERE THEY ARE

One sure fire way to make sure your Grandparents Rights stay in tact is to meet the family of your Grandchildren right were they are.

I realize that sounds like a blinding glimpse of the obvious but it is an oft overlooked area of human relationships. I learned this in, of all places, a management communication seminar years ago. The situation was;  you need to grab a moment of one of your coworkers time for a quick question. It would be understandable to just step in there office and ask. However, if they are on the phone or in the middle of typing out a sentence it is a powerful sign of respect to stand silently at the door until the occupant recognizes you first. This seems like a small gesture but it goes a long way towards more meaningful communications.

Taking that lesson into the realm of Grandparenting can add value to all concerned. Say you, like me, have a habit of just stopping by to see the Grandkids from time. This is not uncommon in many families. Just stop and think how much more could be gained by a quick text or call to ask your daughter-in-law if now would be a good time for you to stop by. Odds are the answer will be yes but you have just heaped a good dose of respect for her time and home. I think that will qualify as a Value Added gesture.

Thank You for being a Caring Grandparent.  Grandpa NEIL