What are the joys of grandparenting

Yup Anya - all of the above -

And yes Granarchist handing them back at the end of the day!

The way you will smile when you hear that thump on the front door announcing they are here.

The long winded and rambling explanations of something that happened at school while they struggle to put into words this exciting event because their brains work faster than their tongues.

Smile and cuddles and 'I love you Nana'

Pictures drawn just for you.

Their first steps.

Being told 'I can do it myself' and watching them put on their shoes or zip up their coats, and seeing thrm strive for independence.

The wonder in their eyes at things we take for granted.

I truly had no particular expectations of being a grandparent, I really didn't - just another step along the road of life I thought. But I am lucky enough to have been pleasantly surprised. I know I am lucky in that I have a good relationship with all DDs and my mother was a brilliant grandparent to them so I have a good role model. The best bits are when, totally unprovoked, DGC rush across a room to hug you and say they love you (even tho they haven't the faintest clue what it means) - when their faces light up when they see you, and some of the things they come out with are nothing short of hilarious. I hated it when new grandparents could talk about nothing else but the babies - now I am as bad as them! I am more tolerant of small children on airplanes (but not hideous ones in cafes etc) - I can deal with tantrums better as a grandparent as I am one step removed. I have 6 under the age of 4 (2 are steps so nothing like as much contact). The other best bits are when I can hand them back and have a peaceful house again! PS The other great thing has been introducing them to new experiences ie helping grow my vegetables, weeding, pulling and eating baby carrots straight from the ground - sniffing flowers to discover different fragrances - brilliant.

I was invited to the hospital soon after my GD was born and I instantly fell in love with her. My SIL was on paternity leave so we 'backed off'. We were soon needed when he went back to work and also we babysat so they could go out occasionally. The first time we had my GD overnight, we were given two foolscap pages of instructions. I have a photo of me showing the baby the instructions and telling her that she was not following her bit!

We looked after my GD while my daughter went into hospital to have her second. Our instructions after the baby was born were to take my GD to the hospital to meet her brother and go away to give them family time! We went to their house to fill in time and found the kitchen in a bit of a state so washed up etc. and then we were allowed to go to the hospital.

Perhaps I am trying to say be willing to back off and if you feel like offering advice....don't. Think about it for a while and find a tactful way of doing it.

Cuddles, heart to heart chats on topics you've never thought of, a new set of eyes for everything, games, planning treats, nativity plays, worry, nappies when younger, children's parties, Christmas takes on a new dimension etc etc etc. Its human nature to be especially aware when things go wrong. Things go well for the majority of GPs but they maybe hesitate to post about the joys in case it seems to be rubbing it in for the poor GPs who aren't so lucky.