How can a grandparent give advice without being intrusive?
By lhw7661
@lhw7661 (51)
United States
April 27, 2008 5:34pm CST
I absolutely love my grandchildren and their parents. I do find that sometimes it is extremely hard not to 'step in' when something, such as a behavior issue with one of the children could, from my perspective, be handled in a different way. Experience has to count for something! The parents are usually open to help, but I still am not comfortable and do not want to be viewed as being intrusive. Anyone out there have any suggestions other than to keep my mouth/thoughts to myself?
2 responses
@kieungoc (232)
• United States
28 Apr 08
What are you saying? Do you have something to say to one of your kids/kids in law about how they are raising their children? If I were you, just let them know how you handled it and if it worked or not. Then, they might take your advice into consideration. I am sure you are doing a great job. I hear of too many situations where grandkids and grandparents do not get to know eachother and that is terrible. Just be greatful that you are one of the lucky ones that get to be involved and that they want you to be a big part of their lives. You are aren't you? I have 2 boys and they sure do love their grandmother!
@lhw7661 (51)
• United States
28 Apr 08
Thanks for the kind response. You sound as if you would be very open to unsolicited advice. Grandaprents should walk a fine line and be very careful not to offend their children with intrusive comments. I never, never want to do anything that would offend/make my children lose respect for me or become angry at me. Your boys have a very lucky grandmother!
@danzer (2723)
• Philippines
27 Apr 08
You are a grandparent and you have undergone through many experiences. I am not in a caliber to give top-notch advice but one thing I learned is to give advice when they asked for it. Sometimes it pains the heart keeping those things to yourself. But I think you can talk it over to your children. I would love to be taking advice from experienced people like you. 
