The Second Time Around

The Special Joy of Grandparents

By Mary Dixon Weidler

Even when they are very little, children recognize – and enjoy – the special bond they have with their grandparents. Why? Well, let some little people count the ways:

"I love my Pop-Pop because he takes me fishing." – Alec, 2 1/2.

"I love Mom-Mom because she takes care of me and plays Barbies." – Jade, 3.

"Grandfather is fun when he lifts you over his head." – Max, 3.

"Gramma smells good." – Anthony, 2.

"Grandpa knew Dad when he was little. I think that's funny." – Jack, 3.

"Mom-Mom always loves me, even when I make messes." – Chelsea, 3.

"I love Nannie cause she loves me!" – Anita, 2 1/2.

"One thing I like is that after a long day visit, I can send them home dirty if I don't have enough energy left to bathe them." – April Lee Schmidt, "Gamma" to Daniel and Caitlin

"Personally, I like interacting with my grandkids in the out-of-doors. We take nature walks – sometimes just out to the backyard – where I strive to inspire an inquisitive nature in them. Together, we explore and learn about small bugs, puddle rainbows, a variety of plant life, pebbles, feathers and so forth." – Patricia Fry, author of Creative Grandparenting Across the Miles: Ideas for Sharing Love, Faith and Family Traditions and "Nana" to six

"What I like about grandparenting is that you can enjoy your grandchildren more than your own because you know they are only spending a short time with you, so you are able to put everything aside for that time and fully enjoy them." – Mary Lebeau, "Memere" to Cameron and Cassandra

"I spend more quality time as a grandparent, because the time is limited. I always have a project or craft to do when my grandsons visit. I didn't have time for that when I was raising my sons. " – Anita Danowitz, "Bubby" to Evan and Darren.

Want to see more?

• Planting the Seed: Grandparents and Toddlers
• Grandma in Charge: When Grandparents Care for Kids
• Discipline Matters: What Is Grandma's Rule?
• Talk about it!