Woman's Hour

Thanks hummingbird.I just caught the end of that notice.
I have in the past emailed'Woman's Hour' twice on the subject of grandparents denied contact but had no response.
We've had so many posts about 'grandparenting' on this site .I hope you will all mail Woman's Hour and make them aware of the strength of Gransnet

Have another go, "Maniac" it might work this time!

I am a new gran (paternal) and was so pleased to hear about gransnet on Woman's hour as I have found it hard to learn the ropes. Our gorgeous first grandchild is also first on his mum's side. His mum and her mum are close so I can, and have' felt a bit sidetracked. All of my friends are grandparents to their daughter's children and I don't think they understand the difference. Anyone else out there had my experience and if so how did you manage it?

Welcome firsttimegran. There is lots on here about the delights of being a gran, and lots of support for those grans who get sidelined, too. There is a distinct difference for many paternal grandparents, but the love you feel for the grandchildren is no different at all. Because I had a very difficult DIL (now ex) I found I had to be more non-committal, mustn't show any bias towards my son, even though it was perfectly acceptable for mum to show bias to her daughter. However, the majority of DILs are loving and kind and will include partner's mum in the care for their children, and show their appreciation of their role.

Thanks Carol. Our DiL is proving to be a great mum and our grandson is thriving but I don't feel I know her very well although she is always friendly towards us. We have been asked to look after baby, sharing with his other gran, when DiL goes back to work and we are looking forward to it but a bit nervous because DiL has very firm ideas and has corrected me a few times already when I have been doing something in a different way from her. I do feel more relaxed when looking after baby alone or when our son is around which I guess is understandable. I will have a good look at the ideas on this website which is why I was so pleased to hear about it.