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

Know how you feel riclorian. The other day my daughter was saying something about me getting old . I replied sort of jokingly" hey, less of that" whereupon my just 7 year old grandson looked straight at me and said very seriously "but you ARE old". Out of the mouths------!

It's amazing how our DGC actually perceive us although they are quite clever enough as to ensure they tell us what we want to hear if directly asked. Recently, I saw DGD2's workbook from school. She had been asked to portray her family and there we all were. Daddy first (of course) playing his guitar and with an extra bit of paper stuck on the bottom of the page to cope with his long legs. Mummy harassed and frazzled, baking and talking on the phone simultaneously. Her older brother standing behind her as if protecting her (they squabble all the time). Granpa - asleep in an armchair in front of the TV (very accurate). Finally me - small plump person in a kilt (I don't own one) wearing a massive SNP badge and waving a Saltire.

......to see oorsels as ithers see us.

Mine are quite young so, not said too much so far, but two recent comments "Grandma buys the best presents" after I gave them two blow up things which were given away free at the cricket which they could bash each other with! The latest was to his brother "Grandma never tell lies but Mummy sometimes does". Which is of course very sad that he has worked that out by himself at such a young age.

The 21 month old doesn't have the vocabulary but learnt a long time ago to switch on the computer and shout "Anmaaa". When we go to see him, which requires a flight, he is quite capable of getting us to do whatever he wants simply by taking our hands and showing us. Same when he comes here.

I think if they were older they might describe me as the fun Grandma

"My nanny cooks nice things for me to eat and she makes cakes with me, I love my nanny"

Hunt - I know what you mean! One especially willowy GD (taller than both her tall parents) sort of gracefully leans down to my 4'10" for a lovely hug! I was just over 5' until sometime in my 60s then began to shrink, I may well be 4'9" by now!

I got a wonderful present from my grandchildren on my 70th birthday. It was a box of 70 cards entitled "70 reasons why we love you".

They were all illustrated and said things like "I love you because you cook nice dinners", "I love you because you let us stay up late and read our books in bed", "I love you because I feel confident when you are around", "I love you because you let us use your coloured pencils, "I love you because you're good at swimming"- but the one I like especially was "I love you because you take good care of Granpa and we love him too"

It must have taken them days and days to make these cards and I will treasure them forever.

My eldest GSs (21 & 19) apparently have huge 'respect' (DDs description) for me as they know I will sometimes give them some worldly advice (even if they haven't asked for it!). I sometimes get used as BankOfNan but they know they have to 1) ask me in person and 2) repay any loans.
We have conversations about films, technology and music.
During their growing up years I took them to the woods, parks, the theatre, museums, and the cinema plus I once went camping with the older one.

Younger GSs (6 & 4) lure me into their games and the youngest recently said 'Will you be my partner and help me find my k*ndle?'. They know I will read to them, admire their homework and sing or dance with them. Plus I am good for a cuddle any time. They like to me to sit with them if they are having a meal. I have taken GS3 to the cinema too.

I do wish I had a GD to pass my crafting skills on to - none of the boys have asked me to teach them how to knit, even though all of them have been a receipient of items made by me (scarves, cushion with a ban-the-bomb sign on it, teddies, etc.).

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.

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.

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 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!!

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.

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

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 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 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!

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)

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

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.

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

I also bake cakes with them and taught them to knit

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.

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

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.)

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.