Grandparents

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The text for this topic is copyright Parenting SA, Government of South Australia.

"Nanna, Nanna" ... little Jaimun calls out loudly as he comes running up to greet his Nanna . . .

"My Nanna, not yours", he says to his mother.

It is part of our culture for our kids to be with our relatives. It gives them the opportunity to learn, to know, to understand and to identify themselves.

Grandparents are very important people in our lives. They are our teachers. They give us love, support and security when we need it.

Grandparents have had a lot of experiences and often are very wise. Their opinions and advice can be useful.

Grandparents often are able to do for their grandkids what they may not have been able to do for their own kids. Today there are more opportunities around for grandparents to offer to their grandkids.

Grandparenting is a very special relationship for all of us.

Sometimes grandparents end up being the 'parents'. This can be tiring and grandparents should say when they feel it's getting too hard or they need a break.

What grandparents can do

It is normal for grandparents to want the best for their kids and grandkids.

You might think differently and have done things differently.

You might not like the ways they are bringing up the kids.

If you think or do things differently than your adult children, then talk to them about it, bring up your ideas and then listen to theirs!

You might have to sit back and watch them act on theirs in the end ... and that's okay as long as you know your grandkids are safe.

• Ask your adult kids what kind of help you can give them.
• Be there to support them when they need you.
• Tell the stories of long time ago, that tells us where we come from.
• Give encouragement when you know they are doing a good job.
• Keep regular contact with your grandkids.
• Praise your grandkids and tell them you love them for who they are.
• Give your ideas and listen to theirs.

Grandparenting is a valuable time for the bonding of love and understanding between the generations.

These places might be able to help you

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Services 6205 4798
• Barnardos Parenting and Outreach Program  6241 5466
• Child & Family Centres -
  Tuggeranong 6207 8228
• Gungahlin 6207 1020
• Gugan Gulwan Youth Aboriginal Corporation 6231 9555
• Lifeline 13 11 14
• Parentline  6287 3833
• Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service 6284 6220

ACT Govt Publication No 08/0618 May 2008 (Revised 0806)