Check out 16 Return-To-Work Programs In India For Ambitious Women Like You!
Staying with grandparents can create lasting memories and bonds. They can also be the best caregivers when you are not available.
What is it with us moms? For often we make plans, just to feel guilty about it at a later time.
So, recently a sponsored holiday trip came our way, and hubby and I were all too keen to grab the opportunity. But this also meant leaving our 6 year old for a week with my parents. Kiddo loves spending time with them, as there are seldom any rules for her in their home. However this would be the first time she would be without either one of us- hubby or me – for a couple of days.
It was tough indeed! As I let those tiny palms slip out of my hand, at the airport, I turned my face away, ‘lest my kiddo notice them. What if she cried through the nights? Maybe she wouldn’t eat her meals properly. What if it affects her psychologically? Would she really be okay? Maybe I shouldn’t be doing this trip.
The thoughts ran wild as the flood gates opened and tears tumbled down my eyes. From behind the glass, I saw her staring as though into the oblivion. I was guilt stricken.
During the course of the next few days, I would message my mom constantly to check how she was doing. It was only after receiving the usual “She’s fine don’t worry…” kind of message, I would feel at peace.
The day I landed back; I couldn’t wait to get home to her. Every minute in the traffic seemed like an era. As I reached my parents’ home, I saw kiddo digging with her toy spade in the garden, unaware I stood behind. I called out to her, and she came running. The floodgates opened again and my tears were uncontrollable. Kiddo looked up and asked, “So what did you buy for me?” I simply laughed.
Happiness is having grandchildren to love- Kiddo’s sketch of her Grandma!!
I soon realized how silly it was of me to feel guilty about the trip, ‘coz kiddo had spent a happy week enjoying the simple joys of life, sans gadgets and video games. Mornings were for digging up the garden with my father, exploring life in the soil or lying on the grass admiring the butterflies strutting around. When she had had enough of the mud all over her, she would splash around in a tub of water.
Afternoons were spent lazing around reading and singing old songs which grandma would teach her. They would cook together with kiddo seated on the kitchen platform until she retired to bed tired, after a nice story session – of Gods, kings and horses.
Grandparents sure play a crucial role in nurturing children, whether they live in the next street or miles away in another city. The bond between them and the child is truly special. For us parents, feeling guilty about leaving them with grandparents should seldom exist. The child stays happy and active in their company and, for the grandparents it is delightful to receive unconditional love. It fills lonely lives with joy, and keeps them energized, post retirement.
And of course don’t we also require that quality time with spouse?
So the next time you plan to leave your child for a week, give them the opportunity to bond with their grandparents. It is the safest and the best place to get children to live without their parents as it creates intimate memories that would last a lifetime.
Published here earlier.
Image source: Shutterstock.
A blogger who writes on society and culture, hoping to bring about positive impact on as many people as possible. Read more posts on www.meotherwise.com. read more...
Women's Web is an open platform that publishes a diversity of views, individual posts do not necessarily represent the platform's views and opinions at all times.
Stay updated with our Weekly Newsletter or Daily Summary - or both!
Dr Nalini Parthasarathi, 79, based in Puducherry has dedicated 30 years of her life caring for people suffering from hemophilia.
It is amazing when a person turns personal adversity into a calling, and extends empathy to make a significant impact in the lives of other people. This has been the life’s journey of Dr Nalini Parthasarathi.
April 17 is World Hemophilia Day. Dr Nalini Parthasarathi, 79, based in Puducherry has dedicated 30 years of her life caring for people suffering from hemophilia. She was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2023.
Hemophilia is a condition where one or more clotting factor is absent leading to bleeding. Severe cases can be life-threatening.
Please enter your email address