The grandparent diaries
We all know grandchildren can be cheeky - just ask Gina Kibblewhite, 63, from Menangle, New South Wales who learnt firsthand and even got in ‘trouble’ with her children!
“I do not act 63! I remember my grandparents as being old and never participated in games etc. I am full of energy and love dancing round the house with the grandchildren and teaching the younger grandchildren about growing vegetables. As we live on a farm, I know they enjoy coming here and getting involved. If I don't see them for a few days I get withdrawals.
While looking after my grandchildren once, we did a role play of Fawlty Towers. The children would have been around 10, 6 and 4. Well, I played the waitress and the cook. They had ordered bacon for breakfast and as a waitress I took down their orders. So, then I was the cook and said we have no frigging bacon! I could see the kids laughing.
For the rest of the day we did a lot of other activities as we live on a farm. But at 5pm when their parents came to pick them up the first thing my granddaughter said was “Nan said the "F" word!”
I had some explaining to do as I had not really said it. I could not believe that was all she could think of to say! Granddaughter is now 19 but I still have a laugh over that day.”
Just as grandchildren can be cheeky (and it’s why we love them), they can also be the sweetest dears in the world. Judy Lancaster, 62, from Nimbin, New South Wales is blessed with a loving and compassionate granddaughter at just three and half.
“My granddaughter of three and a half was staying with me recently and unfortunately she accidentally hit me on the head (with the towel rail on the back of the bathroom door).
The poor little thing felt very bad about it and so to cheer me up she decided that it was going to be my birthday. She gathered up all her hair ties and hair clips and decorated my hair and fingers with them.
She then made a pretend cake with candles and told all those at home to come together and sing happy birthday to me. After that, she got me to blow out the candles, eat the cake and sing some more.
I thought it was so sweet, she knew my head was hurting and she wanted to make me feel better.
To me, being a Grandma is a privilege. My daughter always tells me that I am the only one in the family who does not get cross with my granddaughter. I feel that my role is to be supportive and uplifting, firm but gentle and most of all, unconditionally loving. All of which is easy for me as I love my family so much and am honoured to be included in their lives.”
Photo: Judy Lancaster and granddaughter
Do you have a story about your grandchildren to share? We’d love you to be a part of our Grandparent diaries. Get in touch with our editorial team at contribute@oversixty.com.au