|
Return to Granny's Query index
Granny's Advice By Rosaleen Dickson, BA, MJ
- Dear Great Granny.
-
I have 5 grandchildren, ages 7 through 12. Three live in Chicago, two in New Jersey and I see
both families 3-4 times a year. But we are not close. The kids are nice and polite, but we have
no real bond. How do I develop a closer, more meaningful relationship with my grandkids. Everyone is
always too busy. The parents work long hours, the kids are always at - scouts, soccer, iceskating, etc etc.
- Dear friend
-
That's life in the 90's and will be more so in the 00's I suppose. Everyone is too busy to sit down and
talk about things that matter.
But someone out there who saw this coming invented email. Though you can't get anyone to stay still long enough to have a chat, you can find them all with email.
Send them short letters full of interesting family stuff. Let them know you care for them and let them know
about the family they represent. One of these days they will be the elders of this family - they should know
something about it to tell their own grandchildren. So provide them with the stories, one at a time.
That's just one idea. Another suggestion is for you to provide yourself with a life separate from the family.
Each of them has activities that don't include you, such as soccer, skating etc. etc. and you too should
have things to do that don't include them. Look around your community and see what's there to do that really interests you. Try the library - volunteer at the hospital - join the church choir - get with a hiking club -
innovate - if there's nothing around that you really want to do, start something new.
Don't let your enjoyment of life depend on your family. Take them when you can and have a great time
with them on the rare occasions that they have time for you, but get busy on your own. Have a wonderful life of
your own. You deserve it.
Good luck,
GG
Return to Granny's Query index
|
