One of the joys of old age is being grandparents. The trick of becoming excellent grandparents is to love your grandchildren while respecting your children as their parents. It also helps if you regard your grandchildren as "your son's/ daughter's children", and not so much as "your grandchildren".

Tips to successful Grandparenting

• Take time to get to know your grandchildren.  Find out how they are doing in school and what they do for fun.
• Children used to be "seen but not heard", but not any more!  You will get to know your grandchildren better by listening to them, and you could learn some new, exciting things from them.  You will also stay up to date and be aware of family happenings.
• Show that you care by looking at them when you talk to them
• Don't complain or talk continuously.  Keep the topics light, and they will interested.
• Find things that both you and your grandchildren enjoy and can do together.  Watch TV with them and discuss the programmes.  Having fun together gives you a chance to teach your grandchildren about life.
• Spend time regularly with your grandchildren.  Share holidays, hobbies, or exercise together.  Read to them when they are small or listen to music together.
• Let your grandchildren get to know you better by spending time with them.  You may feel uncomfortable with this at first, but it will be rewarding in the long run.  They will know and understand you better if you tell them how you feel and what you expect.  In this way, they will not disappoint or misunderstand you.