i’m new here, does anyone have any tips

Hi carol I am also quite new here but one thing I’d say is to not be afraid of judgment as everyone here is friendly and open

Thank you for the advice Nellie, you seem VERY sweet, I look forwards to seeing how this community can support and help me.

Best avoid posting on News and Politics if not feeling robust.

Welcome crochetcarol - I have sent you a private message.

Thank you for the advice!

Yes I have now seen it, Thank you x

Welcome crochetcarol 👋

There are some lovely friendly posters on GN, I think a good way to get to know us is to look at Michael12’s (Mick) Good Morning thread along with soops kitchen.

Both of these are friendly chatty threads with our virtual friends. soops I’d like having a hug along with a shoulder to lean in when needed.

Just relax and play toys and games with them. It's lovely and they will soak up all the attention you give them.

Thank you for the help GrannyGravy13 !

Thank you Tink75 I appreciate it!

There are craft and arts threads, including ones on crochet too 🙂

I would say be friendly, be kind and loving but don't try to overdo it with the DGC, let them set the pace.

How great to be reunited and get to know your grandchildren as well. Take it slowly, don't push. My grandchildren all adored swing parks, we were lucky enough to have one nearby and spent hours in there over the years. And the beach in summer.
I hope it all works out well.

Thank you Calistemon21, I will be investing in some arts and crafts materials and using them.

Thank you Henetha, Unfortunately there is not many suitable parks near my daughter’s house but I think a day at the park with a small road trip may be appreciated.

www.gransnet.com/forums/arts_and_crafts

You'll find your own way as you get to know the children better.
It will be wonderful. Children love days out. So all the best.

Hi, I have grandchildren aged 1, 2, 4, 6, 12 and 14, and used to be a childminder so am used to finding things to do with children. It is tricky that your grandchildren are such different ages. It would be nice if you were able to have them on separate occasions as the older one will probably not always like to do the things that the little one does. You do not say the sex of the children either. The 5 year old might like doing playdough and painting, and often an older one might join in with this. Baker Ross is a reliable company that sells lots of craft things for kids, it's worth a look. As others have said, let the children lead the way and ask them what they like to do. Cooking - something simple like chocolate krispie cakes - always goes down well too.

i think the main thing is to keep on good terms with and always defer to their parents.
all the best.

I can feel your excitement!

The thing I would say is that at their ages, the children will have their own preferences and ideas. So ask them what their interests are or what they would like to do and take it from there.

Try not to overwhelm them and don't try too hard, let them set the pace.
Don't feel you have to spend lots of money on them to entertain them, children will enjoy the simple things.
Even a bus ride or a short train trip is exciting if they're used to going everywhere by car!

And above all if your daughter has any "rules" for them, don't break them!
Best wishes x

you say you have gone from no contact with your daughter,rekindled contact and now want to be the best granny ever to 2 older children. I would advise going very slowly, carefully following your daughters wishes and most of all just being yourself.. don't have any expectations just go with the flow.. also your 11 year old will probably develop other interests to very soon...

thank you for the advice everyone! It is greatly appreciated

Welcome to you crochetcarol, very lovely to meet you. You have some wonderful times ahead. My advice would be as all the others have said, to take it slowly. Maybe leave some of your old photo albums, from when your daughter was a baby, around, for the children to look at if they want. Children always find pics of their parents intriguing, and usually, hilarious!! Its a nice way to start some conversations, and the links between you all will be apparent.
Good Luck with it allxxx

haha I may just have to put photos of my daughter around. There is bound to be some GREAT conversations starters and jokes in there. Thank you!

You're very welcome, crochetcarol, happy times for you to comexx