For fun - how do you think your grandchildren would describe you?

My 3yr old DGS was chatting at dinner time. He said his baby brother was a mango. His mum was a sweetie. Then when DD asked him what I was, he said Nanan's a terror! Me put in my place.

Just asked my 11 year old GS how he saw me, and he looked nonplussed! I suggested "Strict, batty, fair, affectionate" he grinned all over his face. We cook tgoether and do all sorts of conspiratorial things together. We have jsut come back from the supermerket (!) where I got new pans - but I also got him a (totally unexpected) new X-bos game. He loves me unconditionally often bringing me presents when he goes on holiday, rather than his mum or nana. I am the paternal GP but have had him to stay with us, sleeping with me "until I'm 16" for years... I love him to bits!

The 2 GDs are more complicated. the relationship with DD and SiL is a bit iffy at times, though not bad. GD1 loathed me to start with and could barely tolerate being in the same room. She has changed her mind - and I can do "anything" for them now, anything they don't know or can't do, I'm now consulted; so things look up! Still very "strict, batty, fair, affectionate".

BTW I climb trees better then they can, and I'm pushing 70!

"Granny has Trooper (our dog) and Granny plays with Trooper. Granny has pink hair (no idea?? It's red/brown/grey) Granny works in England(I'm retired) Next time I see Granny I want to run away when the water is coming (waves)I like my Granny. Granny is my friend"
Written by my 3 year old Grandson in a book prepared for my 60th birthday.

I was so proud when my grandson said "Grandma, you are so cool, because you do pottery." Never been called 'cool' before or since. Apart from that, I have no idea how the see me now that they are so grown-up. They still give me a hug, that is all that matters.

Hope they remember me as the grandma who loved them unconditionally and gparents who took them on train rides watched Cbb,s and did all the silly dances played hours with play dough and baked tastey buns

Have brought my GD up since the age of 4,I am a kinship carer..mothers day is a difficult time for both of us so E decided one year to make a day for me of my own,she wrote the following on her laptop,decorated and printed,and I have it framed on the wall...these are her words..

My Nanny by xxxxx xxxx

when I am upset my nanny is there for me
when I cry and scream my nanny is there for me
when I cant take any more my nanny is there for me
My Nanny is my nanny I wouldnt change her for the world she is my ideal and my inspiration I love you more than anything dont change for nobody.

E wrote this age 12...she is nearly 17,she describes me as a nummy,because Iam mummy / nanny all rolled into one .....probably explains why I am cuddly....two for the price of one

I'm the strict Nanny (sit straight at the table, ask to get down, say please and thank you etc) but I'm also the Nanny who spoils them. I'm not the Nanny who can get down and play imaginary games but I will read and tell them about nature and science and educational things. And according to one GD I am the best back scratcher with the best nails!

Yesterday from the ten year old GS:

'Grandma, you're weird, really weird, you're the weirdest person in our family'.

He was annoyed with me for some reason I can't remember.

GD 10 said......awesome, brilliant and a bit naggy.

GS 9 said.....nice, funny, a bit naggy, kind, cuddly and fun.

Not bad...( kindle said baggy....that too.)

My eldest grand daughter (in her 20s) says "Nan, I love your sayings, I'm always quoting you - you are a legend! Praise indeed!

As the Granny who loves them more than anybody, they come first even before the DD's. I tell them stories, read to them , bath them, do their hair, buy them presents, tickle them and kiss their tummies, cuddle them, cook their tea, pick them up from school,. I hope a they will remember all this and more and that I gave them time and unconditional love.

Best of all by the Autumn I will be living down the road from them instead of 150 miles away.

I also bake cakes with them and taught them to knit

I have just offered DGS aged 9, a second helping of apple crumble.
"Nan, you're the best."

My grandchildren have, in the past, told their parents, Grandma is the best. I take to Rainbows, Brownies and Guides, dancing and rehearsals. Try to watch any shows they may be in, teach them to cook, bake, knit and sew, let them make a mess, pretend big boxes are castles, forts, boats. Take them on surprise picnics and trips, have even taken some of them camping.
Love when they stay though as they always ask to snuggle up while I read a story.

Hi I'm wondering if someone could spare a minute to tell me what the abbreviations that people use mean please eg DD etc, or where on the site I can find these, thanks

ooonana there is a blue outlined bar just under 'Gransnet Forum' up there. (starts with 'Active. I'm on etc) click on 'Acronyms' (the last item)

I daren't ask. I'm pretty sure 'old' would figure in there somewhere.

Although, whilst walking round Decathlon with the fourteen year old yesterday he asked me, "Why do you want to get fit? You're alright already. You still walk around".

That's ok then. Sigh!

I am the granny who provides books, repairs soft toys and knits toys to demand - usually dinosaurs. I also introduce them to the arts with theatre and museum visits. Last week my 10 year old grand daughter, who was ill in bed, announced that she would sooner go to school than be looked after by her other grandma so I think that tells me how I am seen. Comfortable and caring , I hope.

I was staying with DS this weekend and his stepsons (17 and 20) were both at home, which was lovely, as they are such busy people and we don't often get the chance to talk for any length of time. The older one, who is doing an art history course at uni, was anxious to show me a very impressive digital art programme he has on his computer, for which you use an eye wateringly expensive and sensitive stylus. "Please have a go with it", he said, "i don't let people use it, but i know you know what you're doing!" I couldn't have been more chuffed.

I'm with Anya (a few posts back)!

Reading books, making up stories and imaginary games....giving time and unconditional love. Being allowed to spoil them a little but still expecting good manners and considerate behaviour. Above all my 2 year old GD telling people 'this is MY grandma' ....and secretly being a bit smug when she doesn't want to go home to mummy and daddy.

My grandson was six yesterday and I know that every year as his understanding grows he will have different ways of describing me, but without a doubt he knows he's loved by me (yes, even when I'm strict with him) and I know he loves me right back. So that's okay then!!

One has just texted me that I'm 'super cute' - I'll remember that although I'm not sure how accurate it is! Another cheered me once when I was apologising for my cluttered, unvacuumed house by saying 'But it's always warm and welcoming.' Aww, bless her!

My youngest (age 9 ) would definitely describe me as 'crafty Nana', as I'm a mad keen crafter and make anything with her from cards to wooden baby cots, complete with pillow and quilt - all made in a day I might add (ever felt under pressure, lol)

The middle one (13) would probably describe me as strict but fair, as she's a bit of a stubborn madam, but I know she loves me none the less.

Then the eldest one (15 next month) would describe me as always there for her, crafty, and most flattering 'COOL' Nan!

Trouble is, we're soon to move over 200 miles from them, so I'm just hoping that I've done enough in the years that I've been just down the road, that they will never doubt how much I love them, and I'm really hoping that once they're able to travel under their own steam, that they'll still want to come and visit me.

mine know me as 'The Incredibly Shrinking Granmother' as I have lost so many inches due to osteoporosis. I have to stand on the bottom stair to give them a hug - mind you they are all over 6ft tall.