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, indivisual posts do not necessarily represent the platofrom's views and opinions at all times.
Stay updated with our Weekly Newsletter or Daily Summary - or both!
I could hear grandmother mumbling in the background, “I’ve served my family throughout my life. Never turned away from responsibility like this. She isn’t even going to work like Kala or Malathi. Why can’t she cook then?”
The breeze bullied the reeds forcing them to swish and sway to its vagaries, forwards and backwards, this way and that. Everything was as it had been yesterday and the day before. The cuckoo bird continued its ‘coo-coo-once-is-not-enough-here’s-another’, coo-coo call, pleased with its own poetics, its rhythm unfaltering. So much had transpired, yet nothing had changed.
The driver obliged and immediately stopped the bus for them. Many men got down. They shamelessly lined up just by the side of the bus and peed on the other side of the road.
I work in Pune. My family lives far away from me in a small town along the coast of Konkan. I get to meet them once every fortnight for which I have to take a nine-hour long overnight bus journey.
Dual working parents often do need to depend on paid nannies for childcare help. However, bad caregivers can be anyone - not just nannies or non-family members.
Dual working parents often do need to depend on paid nannies for childcare help. However, bad caregivers can be anyone – not just nannies or non-family members.
From the diary of a nanny
Buying a gift for Mom during lockdown might be impossible, but here are some brilliant Mother's Day ideas that you don't need to buy!
Buying a gift for Mom during lockdown might be impossible, but here are some brilliant Mother’s Day ideas that you don’t need to buy!
Another Mother’s Day is here and it’s especially challenging due to quarantine, lockdown and social distancing – the usual Mother’s Day ideas just won’t work. You can’t buy her cakes and flowers and gifts like before. You can’t plan a trip or visit her like before. That does not mean you cannot celebrate this mother’s day and show your appreciation and love for her.