Many articles have been written about this topic. I read a few when I learned that I was about to become one.
But as soon as I held my grandson, Adrian, for the first time in my arms, the “art” principles flew out of the window. I was blessed with my own, and I immediately revised that title to “The Grace of Grandparenting.”
Among all my roles in life, the most unique is being an Amah (lola).
For one, I am older. And with age comes wisdom of experience. The strict rules imposed in parenthood to children have gone poof! This old saying is true to the letter:
“Becoming a grandparent is like the dessert at the end of a hearty meal.”
It is joy and relative lack of responsibility compared to parenting. When his parents left Adrian with us for a few days, they gave us rules that he should obey. Once they were gone, Tony and I allowed Adrian to do as he pleased. “In Angkong and Amah’s house, you don’t violate any rules. We have no rules.”
Indeed, grandparenting is a sweet reward, a chance to enjoy the fun and love of raising children minus the discipline.
And since I am into book writing and advocating for love of reading, I loved reading a story to Adrian. According to the US National Institute of Education, reading aloud to children is the single most important activity leading to their love of reading.
My heart tumbles whenever I chance upon social media photos such as these—a lola reading to her grandson.
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| "Crying children" is the 11th book in the Oh, Mateo! series of 16 books, published by Hiyas of OMF Lit and illustrated by Beth Parrocha) |
Through a story in a book, the young ones and the young once build a close and lasting relationship.
As children begin to look at books, listen to stories, talk and think about them, and ask questions, they’re on the road to becoming readers. Adrian, now 17 years old, is a bookworm like his late Angkong Tony and everyone in our small family.
Lolos and lolas, reading a book to our grandchildren is a great way to relish the grace of grandparenting.
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