I made it—I’m a grandparent! It's the best! I see them once a week and am way more involved than my parents were with my kids. I’m not alone. 70% of grandparents see their grandkids at least once a week.
We want to be the “cool” grandparents and sometimes we think cool is buying things for our grandkids. Okay, I’m guilty! My daughter caught me saying to my granddaughter (her daughter), “Can you say grandma is going to buy you a pony?”
Here are the rules: we do want our grandchildren to be financially responsible—so help your kids to start an allowance system and be supportive. Supportive does not mean when you see the grandkids working and saving for, let’s say, that new gadget, to surprise them with it as a gift. Remember when you were young and saved for that first bike or stereo? That felt pretty good when you reached your goal. Let your grandkids experience the same reward. They will remember the time you spent with them way more than the stuff you bought. I promise!
I think this is challenging for grandparents because they get so caught up in the fun of buying grandchildren things and seeing their little faces light up. Good topic, one most of us never speak of. Thank you!
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