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Unexpected Blessings
Becoming a Stepgrandparent By Lisa Marie Metzler
What should your stepgrandchildren call you? Should you call them your stepgrandchildren when introducing them to friends?
Wester says an open discussion with parents and children can bypass an otherwise awkward situation. Her children have stepgrandparents, and their initial concern was what to call each grandparent. "We didn't want there to be any jealousy between grandparents," says Wester. "We decided the easiest way was to discuss it. From the start, we called each of the grandparents by the names they preferred."
Still, consider the circumstances the child is coming from. For instance, if the child is having a difficult time accepting new relationships, leave the name preference to the child's discretion.
Conklin encouraged her stepgrandchildren to call her whatever made them feel comfortable. And how does she introduce her stepgrandchildren? "I introduce all my grandchildren as my own, because in my heart, they are my own," says Conklin.
