All About Being An LDS Grandparent and Staying Connected To Your Grandchildren… Eternally!

As LDS GrandParents, we have a great desire to stay connected to our grandchildren.  Our reasons, go much further than just knowing that our grandchildren are doing well in their everyday lives.  Although, knowing that a grandparent cares about the welfare of a grandchild, is very important.  However, the LDS GrandParent, understands that an on-going and positive connection with a grandchild, will ensure a close relationship, which builds faith and trust.

In a previous post, we talked about the importance of “Telling Your Grandchildren That You Love Them”, and why this is so critical.  The ability to influence and help direct a grandchild’s life, in righteous ways, helps the LDS GrandParent to fulfill their role, as a GrandParent.

Currently, my own grandchildren are still fairly young.  Many of you have grandchildren, who themselves - are parents now!  Yes, some of you have been around for quite a while.  LOL

Regardless, the LDS GrandParent, at any age, can maintain an ongoing relationship with their grandchildren; where gospel principles can be the focus of each and every encounter that we have with our grandchildren.

Now, I know what you might be thinking?  You just want to play or hang out with your grandkids, religion aside.  Right?  I’m not suggesting that you need to preach to your grandchildren every time you are with them, etc…  What I am suggesting, is that as an LDS GrandParent, our grandchildren need to see that being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints, is Who we ARE!

This can be done, is such simple ways.  I always love visiting my husband’s mother; my own children’s grandmother.  This LDS GrandParent, is always an example of living gospel principles in her life.  I am so grateful for her ongoing example of a righteous and faithful life.

For instance, this grandmother - is a wonderful example of provident living, to her entire family.  Recently, we spent some time with grandma, and she shared with us that her apple trees were now producing an abundance of the “best little apples”!  She had busied herself by making  Apple Crisp, Apple Sauce, Apple Pie and even drying these apples.   She shared these wonderful “creations” with her entire family.  There is no doubt, that Grandma Skaggs - follows the teaching of Living Prophets, in her everyday life.

As our grandchildren are taught gospel principles - we as LDS GrandParents are able to BE examples of these teachings, in our own lives.  Our grandchildren should see and hear, the principles of the Gospel in our everyday lives, and our frequent communications with them.

Regardless of how old we get, we must always….  Remember Who We Are, so that our grandchildren will Know!

tDMg

LdsNana

Living Gospel Principles in Our Everyday Lives...

Technorati Tags: example, gospel principles, Grandchildren, grandparents, influence, LDS grandparenting, living the gospel, stay connected

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It has almost been a week, since my return from Texas to visit my grandchildren.  I already miss them… their sweet faces, big hugs, and endless giggles.  Going back and forth from that world, to my own - is like night and day!  I had such a lovely time, as I observed each one of my grandchildren, and how they are growing in so many ways.

As an LDS GrandParent, I feel almost an urgency to see my grandchildren as frequently as possible.  I have kind of an unwritten little guideline, that I use for making sure that this grandma, gets in plenty of visits with her grandchildren.  I refer to it as the “more than three months is too long” rule.  Papa is quite well aware of my scheduling the grandkids philosophy.  Somehow -some way, I have been quite good at manipulating visits with all of my grandchildren, using this “rule”, - so far.  Let me share a few of my reasons for being such a manipulative grandparent…

Reasons to Have Frequent Visits with Grandchildren:

1. I’m just selfish.  I love those little people so much, that I simply cannot stand - to not see them growing, and know for myself who they are becoming.  Our grandchildren, particularly when they are small, change almost daily.
2. I want them to know Nana.  I want them to know, the silly lady who talks to them on the phone.  I want my grandchildren to know that I love them!  I want my grandchildren to know, that they are a priority in their grandmother’s life.  I want to be able to tell them face-to-face, that they are the most important little people, to me, in the whole wide world!
3. I have so much to tell them. I want to be there so that I can help support their parents, in teaching them righteous principles.  I know how important this kind of support, from an LDS GrandParent can be.
4. I have a desire to create relationships with my grandchildren, that have the power to influence their lives for good.  I know that this is an investment of time, which is an investment that I want to make.

Sometimes these important visits with the grandchildren, are had at Nana and Papa’s house.  Other grandma visits necessitate either driving a little ways, or getting on an airplane, and traveling to another State.

My other theory for ensuring frequent visits, is the “any which way I can” theory.  I know that many other LDS GrandParents are just as committed to visiting their grandchildren as well.

Special times with grandchildren...

On this most recent trip to Texas, where I was able to spend two weeks with my daughter and her family, I took frequent opportunities to make sure that my grandchildren know, just how much I love them. I had the privilege of taking over the bedtime rituals with the grandchildren, while mom and dad were away for a few nights.  Following family prayer on the floor of the bedroom, and tucking them gently into their beds - brought about special time for telling them where they came from, who they are, and about our special eternal family.

These grandchildren knew their stuff, and I was grateful for the opportunity and blessing, to bear my testimony of these truths - taught by their own parents; that this was indeed, reality.

Now I am back home again, reflecting on these precious moments.  I exercise faith, daily - that just as my own grandmother was able to instill eternal truths and plant them deep within my heart - that I, too, will be able to do so with my own grandchildren.

As an LDS GrandParent, I am continually aware of the covenant relationship that we have with our grandchildren.  Our work, is His work…

tDMg

LdsNana

Show and Tell for Nana...

Technorati Tags: Grandchildren, grandparent visits, LDS, LDS grandparenting, Mormon, visiting grandchildren

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LdsNana and Grandchildren

I just returned from a two week trip to Texas.  Originally, I was going to spend one of the weeks, completely taking over for my daughter, so that she could attend a business trip with her husband in Seattle.  A much needed break for a young couple.  I would be left with the responsibility to care for three of my grandchildren, six and under.  I was ready and willing to do this…

As the time that I would fly to Texas drew closer, my daughter decided to change her plans a bit, but still wanted me to come and help.  She had decided that she would not go on the week long trip with her husband, but instead, that they would take a few days away before he left for his business trip, alone.  There time together would be to celebrate their 7th Wedding Anniversary.

That sounded great to me.  I would still have my grandchildren for a few days, without mom and dad, but not have a week filled with “her” responsibilities. Instead, I would have more time to visit with my daughter and the grand kids, which I looked forward to very much.

In the weeks prior to my leaving, in conversations - my daughter let on that she was not feeling tip-top.  She mentioned a sinus infection as the likely  cause, of which she was often prone.  I felt bad she wasn’t feeling better, but didn’t give it much thought…

My airplane arrived in Texas as scheduled.   After claiming my baggage, I went outside to await my expected pick-up, with grandchildren in tow.  This is always a treat.  It was hot and muggy as Texas is much of the year, at least to me, a Californian.  I soon saw the white mini-van coming around the corner, and could see happy little children’s faces as they tried to see out the windows.  I waved with mutual excitement!

As soon as my daughter pulled up to the curb, I quickly opened the sliding-van-door and reached over car-seats, etc…  to give three happy grandchildren - great big hugs and kisses from Nana.  Quickly I loaded my bags into the van and we were off…

The chatter in the car was nearly frantic as you can imagine.  As I was trying to say hi to the mommy, ask her how she was feeling and tell everyone how excited I was to be in Texas, etc…  Elenna, who is barely four - blurts out “My mommy is PRENICK!”

Okay Fine!  Elenna GOT Nana’s attention! LOL  I looked at my daughter as she just shook her head and laughed out-loud with me, confirming that indeed -  Mommy is pregnant!  This was a treasured secret that waited for Nana’s arrival to be squealed!

Well, that certainly explained the health and schedule changes, didn’t it?  How wonderful, another grandchild on the way!

It was only a few weeks prior to this, that my “other” daughter found out that she too is “prenick” with her second baby.  As the discussion between my daughter and I ensued, and these adorable little grandchildren of mine expressed their joy of getting another baby - I was given another piece of the story…

Apparently, all of my daughters were fully informed with each other’s news about expecting and expected dates of arrivals.  As best these girls could figure things out between them, it seemed that their due-dates were only two days apart!

They had already engaged in the vital discussion of “who” needed Nana most?  The “other” grandmothers of these little ones, are not able to help out in this situation.  I am still not quite sure what they determined at that time?

Since then, both pregnant daughters have seen their OB/GYN - and now it looks like we may have at least two weeks between the deliveries of these newest grandchildren.

As you can imagine, both Nana and Papa are thrilled with the news.  This will bring our grandchildren total to NINE!

At this point, I am relieved that these grandchildren will most likely not share such close birth-dates.  However, I am still concerned as to how I will cover these bases and help-out in much needed ways.  These two daughters both live in different states from myself and each other.  We will all need to be creative in making sure that everyone is taken care of - and that Nana is there when most needed, for both of the grandchildren’s arrivals.

These are the delightful dilemmas that joyful grandparenting can bring about.  I look forward to suggestions from other grandparents who have had similar circumstances.  I would love for you to share how you were able to meet these challenges…

tDMg

LdsNana

Technorati Tags: Family, Grandchildren, grandparenting, grandparents, help with new baby, helping with grandchild, LDS, Mormon, new grandbaby

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Number TWO, on our very important list of the  “Top Ten Things An LDS GrandParent Should Tell Their Grandchildren” is to Tell Them Who They Are! As LDS GrandParents, who understand our covenant relationship with a grandchild, we want to make sure that we take the time to tell our grandchildren WHO they really are!

“Another appealing aspect to having grandparents is that they do help, to give  [a grandchild] a sense of continuity—of his place in the world and in the generations. Not only do grandparents help him intellectually to comprehend that there are parents of parents, but they also aid him in understanding where he fits in the succession of things. Even a very young child can begin to feel a sense of rootedness and history.

~ Lawrence Balter

How wonderful that even the secular scholars of today, understand the power of identity and its far reaching effects on a young grandchild.  However, the LDS GrandParent, can accomplish this job,  with much more impact…

Individual identity is not merely knowing your name, address and telephone number.  It is even more than knowing that you belong to a mother and a father, and perhaps that you are one of a few other siblings; known as the family unit.  To understand our true identity, requires something much much more. In order for your grandchild to truly know who they are, they must have absolute knowledge; which is eternal.

Abraham 3:22-23

Now the Lord had shown unto me, Abraham, the intelligences that were organized before the world was; and among all these there were many of the noble and great ones;

Unfortunately, identity crises among the young are rising.  More and more, they are asking the question “Who am I”? Many really don’t know, therefore they lack the understanding of their place, mission and ultimate destiny.  The most serious of concerns, are for those who suffer with gender identity issues.

In comes the beloved LDS GrandParent, with an eternal understanding and perspective of just exactly WHO their Grandchildren really Are; and we are going to make sure that our grandchildren know it!

To understand the path which has placed us now, exactly where we are - is to know that this life has a specific purpose.   This is the eternal knowledge that the LDS GrandParent knows and understands well.

As an LDS Grandparent, we have come to know, with deep conviction the Plan of Happiness.  Our very personal experiences throughout our lives, have born witness to us that these teachings are true.  We have come to understand the purpose of our own lives with much more clarity.

The LDS GrandParent can testify of these truths with more power than anyone else in a grandchild’s life.  I know that this is true. It is because of my own grandmother’s sure knowledge of these truths, that I myself did embrace the truth of eternal life.

In the newly published LDS Nursery Manual, “Behold, Your Little Ones”, you will find that lessons One and Two are wonderful resources for helping the LDS GrandParent best teach the vital principle of WHO our precious grandchildren really are!

The grandchild who comes to know these things of themselves, is then ready to fulfill their destiny with faithful determination.

tDMg

LdsNana

Technorati Tags: faith, grandparenting, grandparents, LDS Grandparent, Mormon, Mormonism, teaching grandchildren, what to teach grandchildren, what to tell your grandchildren, Who Am I

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LDS GrandParents are constantly looking for great ideas, to help them be a better grandparent.  I have a suggestion for LDS Grandparents, that I think you are going to love!   The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints has just released a brand-new Nursery Manual.  That’s right.  This new manual, which was carefully put together to assist nursery leaders in their callings at Church - is an excellent resource for the LDS Grandparent!

The name of this new nursery manual is, “Behold, Your Little Ones” and is available for download online.  You can also purchase the manual through distribution, or find it at your local LDS bookstore.

“This manual contains 30 lessons for teaching children ages 18 months to 3 years. Pictures and other visual aids are bound with the lessons.”

“The purpose of the nursery class is to help children learn the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and live it. The nursery class should help the children increase their understanding of and love for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, have positive experiences in a Church setting, and grow in feelings of self-worth.”

Well now, isn’t this the same mission that an LDS GrandParent has for their grandchildren too?  Exactly!  This new manual, is a way to help the LDS GrandParent, in particular, teach at the level that is most appropriate and effective for the younger grandchild - the principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Who knows, perhaps we can learn a few things too?

I am so excited about this new LDS GrandParent resource.  Even though it is available to download immediately - I personally want the hard-copy to have in my home and at my finger-tips at all times.  I also feel that this will be a great gift idea, to give to other LDS parents and grandparents.  This would even make a great Christmas gift for the parents of my own grandchildren.

In an earlier post of mine, we talked about The Top Ten Things An LDS GrandParent Should Tell Their Grandchildren. I am going to utilize this new manual, Behold Your Little Ones - as a resource in developing my future posts,  as we discuss each of these ten important ideas.

I would love to hear any feedback about this new nursery manual, as you have experience with using it to teach your own grandchildren.  You can post a comment here or email me.

tDMg

LdsNana

Primary Nursery Manual - A great resource for LDS grandparents...

Technorati Tags: education, Grandparent, grandparent resource, grandparenting resources, LDS, LDS Grandparent, LDS grandparenting, LDS nursery video, LDS resources, Mormon, primary manual, Primary Nursery Manual, teach grandhchildren, teaching

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Regardless of whether we are teaching, parenting or Grand-Parenting, the wise LDS Grandparent should well know by now, to never ever do so - using the principle of assumption…

If the LDS GrandParent has learned anything through their many years as a parent…  to “assume” anything — cannot be depended upon, when correct information is to be well understood by a child.  I raised some pretty smart children.  I learned quickly, that if I did not “say it” - and make whatever I wished for them to know - crystal clear, I would most likely be in trouble.

I cannot begin to tell you how many times, that after one of my own children had made a poor decision - where potential consequences need to be inflicted - made this very difficult… because they used the line, “I didn’t know”!  Guess what?  Many times they were right.  Not that they did not most likely know -  or that they could not have figured it out easily enough.  But, the facts were - since I had not spelled it out - they were not accountable for knowing it.  Drats!  I hate it when that happened.  I came to realize, that what’s fair is fair.  How can you hold someone accountable for that which you have not communicated clearly?  You can’t really.  Think about it?  Heavenly Father does not hold us accountable for law that we do not fully understand.

The first item on our Top Ten things to tell your Grandchildren - and in the number ONE position, is to tell them that you love them!  Not just once, but over and over again…  Never assume, that they know you love them!  You can show love in so many ways, and they will most likely feel your love for them.  But, they need to hear that their grandparent loves them and thinks they are the most important and special person in the whole wide world!  Don’t assume that your grandchildren know that you love them - tell them!  Tell your grandchildren that you love them every chance that you have…

The LDS GrandParent, who understands this principle of verbally telling, as well as showing their grandchild that they love them - also understands the power in this principle.  A grandchild who knows how much they are loved, particularly by a grandparent - is one that you are able to influence throughout their entire lives with greater power.

When our grandchildren know and feel our love for them, they freely return this love to us. This flow of love, is what allows a grandparent to be a very special teacher in the life of a child.  When this love between a grandparent and grandchild is clearly established, the result is trust.

The trust that develops in our relationship with our grandchildren, is the very door that allows us to teach them eternal principles - that will influence and affect them throughout their entire lives.  I recall vividly, knowing just how special I was to my own grandmother.  Because of this over-flowing, unconditional love - I listened intently to her as she would tell me what she knew…  I believed every word she shared with me.  I trusted her completely.  My faith in eternal truths was easily fostered, because of this trusting and loving relationship.

So number ONE on our list of The Top Ten Things That You Should Tell Your Grandchildren - is Tell Them That You Love Them! Then say it again and again..  This sure knowledge, will open that place in their tender hearts, to listen to you testify of those things that you, as an LDS GrandParent - know to be true.

tDMg

LdsNana

The Most Important Thing is Love

Technorati Tags: grandchild, Grandchildren, Grandparent, grandparenting, love, teaching, what to tell your grandchildren

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Technorati Tags: covenants, faith, grandchild, grandchild journal, Grandchildren, Grandparent, grandparenting, grandparents influence, LDS Grandparent, Mormon, teaching, teaching grandchildren, temple, testimony, what to tell a grandchild

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One of the joys of being an LDS Grandparent - is spending individual time with our grandchildren… without the mom and dad around.  This is special one-on-one time, where an LDS GrandParent can snatch precious opportunities to teach and influence during these special moments together with our grandchildren.  Afterall, we have so much to share - we’ve been around you know!

Don’t get me wrong.  I enjoy my children and their spouses very much.  I love it when my grandchildren bring their parents along for a visit to Grandma’s house.  But, I secretly just love getting to spend alone time with the grand-kids.  Did I say without their mom and dad?  Yes - I think that is clear now.  Hopefully my daughters will not read this post….  and particularly their husbands!

I’m not trying to be sneaky, and get away with doing something that their parents would disapprove of, or anything of the kind….  But having alone time with my grandchildren, is when we really get to know each other much better, and have some of the most fun!  Yes, it is nice not to have a disapproving parent give me “that” look when I sneak a cookie, or some candy to one of my grandchildren on the side, without asking first.  I do try and support all of these parent-rules that are inflicted upon my grandchildren, as best as I am able.  On occasion though - I admit - I choose to kind of ignore these little requests.

Oh come on — I am not all that “bad” of a Nana.  Really!  What can a little chocolate possibly do to harm anyone? 

Recently, I got to travel down to San Diego and tend two of my granddaughters, while their parents were gone — celebrating a 5th Wedding Anniversary.  This immediately brought back memories of what happened to my 25th Wedding Anniversary of five years ago…  because I couldn’t remember much about it?  My husband and I share a similar anniversary date in August, with this couple.  Oh yes, their wedding had consumed that anniversary!  Anyway, I was happy to be able to go and tend the grandchildren - so that they could have a well needed and deserved opportunity to celebrate together. A date night!  This, giving me time alone with the grandchildren.

Lilly and Seybrielle are two delightful little girls.  It was wonderful to be with them and see how they are growing in so many ways.  I especially was touched with how Seybrielle, who is barely two-years-old, prays to her Father in Heaven.  Her simple prayer,  was humble, sincere and filled with the faith of a little child.  Once Seybrielle crashed, literally - this gave me some precious time with Lilly, who is now four months old.  Lilly and I had a very serious talk.  I made sure that Lilly knows just how much her Nana loves her:-)

Great times.  Check out this little video I took, when Lilly and Nana were having some fun time together.  Oh how I love technology - and how we are able to capture these wonderful encounters with such ease.  What did we do without our digital cameras before?  Unlike with my own children growing up — I am never behind on taking pictures or video of my grandchildren.  I have oodles and oodles of pictures of each of my grandchildren.  Sharing these pictures and videos is so simple.  I hope that you have learned how to take video and pictures with a digital camera.  It is so much fun!

I recently bought this Panasonic DMC-FZ18 digital camera. I can take both pictures and videos, with one hand — and it has anti-shake. How cool is that? I love this camera, because of it’s simple functions and user friendly ability. If you are looking for a good digital camera to capture your grandchildren with - this is a great choice.

Besides… taking pictures of my grandchildren, while the parents are away, gives me backup as to what we do while they are gone. Keeps me out of trouble! LOL

tDMg
LdsNana

Technorati Tags: digital camera, Grandparent, grandparent gift, influence, LDS Grandparent, one-on-one time, photos, teaching grandchildren, video

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LDS Parents truly appreciate supportive LDS grandparents, who help reinforce that which they are teaching in the home.  For some of our grandchildren - they may be growing up in the homes of our own children, who do not live or practice the teachings of  Mormonism currently.   Our desire to guide our grandchildren toward choices that will bless their lives, can be even more of a challenge as an LDS grandparent, if this is the case.

Isn’t it such a relief, to know that it is okay for our grandchildren to make mistakes - and that this - is even part of the eternal plan of happiness?  When there is proper teaching of eternal principles, understood by our grandchildren,  there is simply no doubt that they will ultimately choose truth.  This is the faith of the LDS grandparent.

The skill of agency, is to learn how to use it properly.  It is best learned, when we guide gently the learning process that accompanies allowing children to exercise their agency.  The proper use of agency - is applying our ability to choose - toward those things that will lead us to Jesus Christ.

An LDS grandparent understands, just how important it is - to find creative ways to connect with each grandchild, so that this loving influence and guidance can be developed for good.

As an LDS grandparent, finding ways to share our testimonies in simple ways with our grandchildren - can become a beacon of light, that will lead our grandchildren toward righteous actions.

This is the power, of the LDS GrandParent!

tDMg

LdsNana

Sharing with our grandchildren that which is most sacred

Technorati Tags: connecting with grandchildren, Grandchildren, influencing grandchildren, LDS Church, LDS faith, LDS families, LDS Grandparent, teaching grandchildren, testimony

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