Thank you so much for reminding us of the influence and power we can bring to the lives of our precious grandchildren. I love the concept of planning. I have 20 grandchildren and I know that my being a part of their lives will make a difference. It is always amazing to me how the spirit helps me to know what I can give to a certain child at just the right time.I consider it a superb blessing at this time in my life to have the resources to aid my children in leading their children back to their Heavenly Father. You are doing a great work in sharing your insights. May your efforts be blessed, noticed and appreciated.
AnonymousDecember 13, 2016
@MCHarris You're making two big assumptions that I think are fairly untrue: 1) That children are an exact reflection of the parenting they've received and 2) that people don't progress or learn in the years between when their children leave the home and when their children have their own children. You're painting a picture of a world where a failure is always a failure which is contrary to what the atonement gives us.
GrandparentsDecember 10, 2016
We are not allowed to talk 'religion' to our grandchildren. They do not have good examples or teachings at home. We gave a couple of them Books of Mormon with their name engraved and our daughter made them 'give them back to us'.
Of our five children, only one is active.
It breaks our hearts...But it will be on the heads of their parents.
Robert StarlingDecember 8, 2016
Great article and thought-provoking. Due to circumstances my wife and I practically raised one of our grandchildren, but I need to give more thought to how I grandparent the other five. Looking forward to part 2.
MCHarrisDecember 7, 2016
If you feel you did not adequately raise your own children to be righteous, enough parents, isn't it illogical to assume the same you is now able to raise or correct your grandchildren who are under their perpetual influence??
John ChiversDecember 7, 2016
Exactly why I encouraged my kids NOT to go to BYU so they would end up close by,(Massachusetts) and they are. Feel sorry for everyone who sent their kids out there and are lucky to see their Grandchildren once a year.
Terry HinsonDecember 7, 2016
It made me sad to read that the author feels that only "type 4" grandparent feels the love and fun associated with being a grandparent. I am mostly a suportive grandparent as this is what I perceived my children desired in our relationship. I love my grandchildren dearly and feel joy in our relationship and continue to teach them from my experiences while allowing my children to take the lead in raising them
Tom burlesonDecember 7, 2016
As a grandparent of several (all of our children) children, we can only do what our children will encourage our grandchildren to do with us. Personalities are soooo varied and even having been taught with love, regular scripture study, FHE's, monthly PPI's, and always regular attendance, if you are a 1st generation saint, it is still up to the spouses and our children to encourage closeness. sometimes it just isn't possible!
Jayne JonesDecember 7, 2016
I have "Grandma School" a couple of times a month with my grandkids. We make things together like fruit smoothies, cookies, pizza, etc. I am also teaching them to use a sewing machine, which they love. As a result of this new tradition, they are always asking to come to my "school". I love it!
Stephen PhelpsDecember 7, 2016
So, as I see it, you just spent one-third of the time and space you are devoting to this wonderful idea, to telling us that you're not going to say anything until Part 2? Come on, Richard and Linda. My time is valuable too. You have so much to offer... and you just wasted my time and yours. If that sounds severe, I'm sorry. I hope Part 2 doesn't say "We'll get to it in Part 3".
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Lou Anne JohnsonDecember 13, 2016
Thank you so much for reminding us of the influence and power we can bring to the lives of our precious grandchildren. I love the concept of planning. I have 20 grandchildren and I know that my being a part of their lives will make a difference. It is always amazing to me how the spirit helps me to know what I can give to a certain child at just the right time.I consider it a superb blessing at this time in my life to have the resources to aid my children in leading their children back to their Heavenly Father. You are doing a great work in sharing your insights. May your efforts be blessed, noticed and appreciated.
AnonymousDecember 13, 2016
@MCHarris You're making two big assumptions that I think are fairly untrue: 1) That children are an exact reflection of the parenting they've received and 2) that people don't progress or learn in the years between when their children leave the home and when their children have their own children. You're painting a picture of a world where a failure is always a failure which is contrary to what the atonement gives us.
GrandparentsDecember 10, 2016
We are not allowed to talk 'religion' to our grandchildren. They do not have good examples or teachings at home. We gave a couple of them Books of Mormon with their name engraved and our daughter made them 'give them back to us'. Of our five children, only one is active. It breaks our hearts...But it will be on the heads of their parents.
Robert StarlingDecember 8, 2016
Great article and thought-provoking. Due to circumstances my wife and I practically raised one of our grandchildren, but I need to give more thought to how I grandparent the other five. Looking forward to part 2.
MCHarrisDecember 7, 2016
If you feel you did not adequately raise your own children to be righteous, enough parents, isn't it illogical to assume the same you is now able to raise or correct your grandchildren who are under their perpetual influence??
John ChiversDecember 7, 2016
Exactly why I encouraged my kids NOT to go to BYU so they would end up close by,(Massachusetts) and they are. Feel sorry for everyone who sent their kids out there and are lucky to see their Grandchildren once a year.
Terry HinsonDecember 7, 2016
It made me sad to read that the author feels that only "type 4" grandparent feels the love and fun associated with being a grandparent. I am mostly a suportive grandparent as this is what I perceived my children desired in our relationship. I love my grandchildren dearly and feel joy in our relationship and continue to teach them from my experiences while allowing my children to take the lead in raising them
Tom burlesonDecember 7, 2016
As a grandparent of several (all of our children) children, we can only do what our children will encourage our grandchildren to do with us. Personalities are soooo varied and even having been taught with love, regular scripture study, FHE's, monthly PPI's, and always regular attendance, if you are a 1st generation saint, it is still up to the spouses and our children to encourage closeness. sometimes it just isn't possible!
Jayne JonesDecember 7, 2016
I have "Grandma School" a couple of times a month with my grandkids. We make things together like fruit smoothies, cookies, pizza, etc. I am also teaching them to use a sewing machine, which they love. As a result of this new tradition, they are always asking to come to my "school". I love it!
Stephen PhelpsDecember 7, 2016
So, as I see it, you just spent one-third of the time and space you are devoting to this wonderful idea, to telling us that you're not going to say anything until Part 2? Come on, Richard and Linda. My time is valuable too. You have so much to offer... and you just wasted my time and yours. If that sounds severe, I'm sorry. I hope Part 2 doesn't say "We'll get to it in Part 3".
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