My first grandchild is due to arrive on Valentine's Day. I'm not normally a Nervous Nelly, but it's my oldest son's child, and I think there's the added pressure of not being too overbearing or annoying to my daughter-in-law (who I love, btw). So I've been keeping my online "ears" to the ground, trying to create some rules for the road of grandparenting. Want to hear some of what I've found? Ok, here we go...Don't suggest baby names (or criticize baby names selected). My son is a huge Marvel hero fan. If he has a boy, he'd like to name it Clark or Bruce, aka Superman or Batman. Don't judge. You are going to love that baby no matter what it's called.
Don't expect to be in the delivery room. My mom birthed three children under a lot of medication. She remembered nothing. She was dying to go into the delivery room to see one of her grandchildren born. Um...no. But it just so happened that I had to have a baby while Mr. Curtis was at work. (File this under when the doctor says it'll be 8-10 hours before you deliver and you need to push 2 hours later.) Anyway, Mom was the only person with me at the time. You could say, I made her dream come true. But that wasn't the plan.
Don't come over to help with the baby and sit and hold the baby (unless New-Mom asks). New-Mom needs help getting fed, keeping hydrated, cleaning, getting rest. Her wish is your command. You'll get your baby time, but like anything else, you should earn it. Be a blessing.
Don't take baby for baby pictures during your babysitting shift if you haven't asked. My kids had four sets of grandparents. One set was determined that we take pictures at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months and 1 year old. When we missed Baby #3's 3 month photo, they snuck her out while we were at the movies and had her photo taken...without asking.
Don't play favorites. If you bring baby a gift, make sure you bring something for older siblings, too. It doesn't have to be a lavish gift (a coloring book, a small Lego figure, a cupcake), but children notice. Be considerate of all your grandchildren - whether they be your blood relations or step-blessings.
Do you have any advice for grandparents? I'd love to hear it!
Melinda Curtis is an award-winning USA Today bestselling author. She writes sweet romance for Harlequin, sweet romantic comedies and sexy sports contemporaries. Her latest releases are Support Your Local Sheriff (a full-length Harlequin, $4.99), Rumor Has It in Christmas Falls (a full-length sweet romantic comedy, $2.99), A Heartwarming Thanksgiving (a collection of 13 turkey-day related romance novellas by Harlequin Heartwarming authors - a steal at 99 cents), and Heartwarming Holiday Wishes (a collection of 10 Christmas romance novellas - a steal at 99 cents - includes a $1 off coupon for a Heartwarming purchase at Harlequin.com).
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