Prayables

If we want something—we have to TRY! If we do not try, we will never know if we succeeded. That is a very special tip a grandmother can give to her grandchildren.

As grandparents, I strongly feel our grandchildren observe our actions and how we conduct ourselves. We should all value effort and hard work. Unfortunately, too many grandchildren today show a lack of effort.

We have to show our grandchildren that trying is important even if they fail. Did you know Babe Ruth hit 714 homeruns, but struck out 1,330 times? Even very successful people have some failure.

We need to share stories about ourselves with our grandchildren. Stories about our lives are interesting to them. Give them examples of how you tried. Tell them a real life story. You can even begin with a funny story about how you failed—even a silly story about how you even failed at climbing the stairs because you fell UP the stairs! Then tell them of a story where you succeeded. Always say, sometimes I failed and sometimes I succeeded, but I ALWAYS TRIED. Make the story age appropriate. Make the story exciting, because trying is exciting! It is goal oriented.

Our grandchildren will gain self-esteem when they try and have success. Layer upon layer of success builds confidence. The word TRYING should hold an important place in their vocabulary—and in ours too.

Do something GOOD today: Don’t put off something you’ve been meaning to try!

Gramma Good

Grammas, are there days when you turn on the TV and are appalled at what you see in our society? It seems so many people have lost the values that many of us were brought up with. I have to wonder—where is the responsibility?  Where is the discipline? Where is the leadership? Where are the standards? What are values?

We have responsibilities as the matriarchs of our families. I believe we can make a difference by our involvement within our family. We are the mature spokesperson within the family unit. Take time talking to your grandchildren about VALUES. Every day there is a life experience where you can bring up a value word to expand upon. WE are a powerful group of women. WE are a positive force in every way.

One of the best words to use with our grandchildren is the word STANDARD. A person with standards has good values. We grammas have to have a mindset to use daily experiences to point out issues. We can even do this with our youngest grandchildren as they learn to say “peas” and “tank you.” We are not disciplining. We are speaking or showing in a grandmotherly manner.

Always remember that we are of a different generation and that is powerful. We can share stories about value and standards. For example, when I purchase a present for one of my grandchildren, no matter their age, I tie it to a true story in my life—a story that sets an example. That a gift has meaning, which is the value called love. A gift costs money, which is the value called work. It makes me more real. I am not perfect either. Grandchildren can relate. Tell them that nothing happens in life just because; there is a cause and an effect.

Written by Susan Good of Gramma Good

Do something GOOD today: Remember to say “peas” and “tank you,” your grandkids are looking at you as their example.

Grammas, what are your first memories of your grandchildren? If you’re like me, you can’t remember where you left your to-do list, but you can recollect treasured moments in a snap. I remember when I met my first-born grandson, Ben. He was wrapped in a blanket with a powder blue wool cap on his head. I was immediately in love, and of course, I am still enamored with him to this day.

My second memory of Ben was on the eighth day of his life, which is because in the Jewish religion a newborn son is given his Hebrew name on this day. I remember standing in the backyard of Ben’s other grandparents, who I was so fond of. Since my daughter and son-in-law were a mixed-religion marriage, the Rabbi explained the importance of the baby naming in the Jewish religion. I will never forget his words: “A name defines a person’s essence.”

My daughter was standing next to me as the Rabbi spoke. She leaned over to me and said, “Mom, what should I name my son?”

This was a defining point in Ben’s life, and I confidently said, “Moses.” Upon hearing the name or seeing the name, my grandson would be reminded of the positive essence of this man.

“I like that,” she said. And Moses it was!

That was the first profound “gramma message” I gave my eight-day-old grandson: Be a man you yourself will be proud of.

Think of your first bonding memory with your grandchildren. And when you see them—tell them the story! Share your stories with Gramma Good, too.

Written by Susan Good of Gramma Good

Do something GOOD today: Think of the person you’d like to be your grandchild’s essence and tell them both why!

Grammas, how many people are in your family? Is it large or small? I have a blended family. There are a total of 15 grandchildren, seven parents, two grandmothers, one grandfather and a total of nine marriages not to include one of the remaining grammas who had several!

And of course, I have my dog, Orchid. Now that I’ve introduced my family and briefly described some of the trials I will discuss in future blogs, I have one question: Who in the world came up with the term ‘blended families?’

I was actually smiling as I wrote the word blended, because today the 15 grandchildren all care about one another, the divorces are over, the second marriages have all lasted a long time, the parents all get along with one another and they truly all love me and that includes the ‘blended’ ones who in my mind are not blended. They are mine.

But this was not always the case. Communication is the key to a well blended family. Sometimes that means keeping silent, and always it means speaking kindly to one another.

Today, I am very proud of each and every one of them, and I love them. I would be there for them at any time if they were in need. I am one lucky gramma – blended or unblended!

Written by Susan Good

~Gramma Good

 Do Something GOOD Today: Act as the blender that blends family and friends together for the better.