Grandparents is a new book from Dr. Miriam Stoppard, a baby guide for grandparents to be and a great gift as well. An acknowledgement of the great work and contribution many grandparents do in their grandchildren's and children's life.
Not only are grandparents the first line of support and advice, but they many also have a very active role in filling in the gaps that work and commitments create for parents.
Dr. Miriam Stoppard is one of the well-known writers of pregnancy and baby book, but she has always maintained that the best tool parents have is their instinct.
"I don't think any so-called experts can possibly know what is best for a family. The best we can do is put a steading hand on the elbow, reassure, answer questions and give parents confidence to follow their instincts", said Dr. Stoppard to The Independent.
The book explains very basic baby care situations, from how to hold a baby, give a bath to making him sleep, which can be read in any baby book. The strength is in the chapters and case studies that deal with the relationships around the baby from the grandparents perspective, such as jealousy of the other grandparents, disapproval towards your daughter-in-law, your limits as a grandmother, being the primary childminder, and so forth.
Often difficult and emotionally loaded situations, but which occur in any family. The general advice from Dr. Stoppard is that as a grandparent you are guest in your grandchild's family. The contribution you can offer is significant, both in terms of facilitating the parent's life, but also the emotional rock you can be for your grandchild.
And because you are a guest, you are also entitled to a life beyond your grandchildren, which is something your children also must accept. Depending on your age, health and energy, you may not be able to help as much as you imagine or are expected to.
This is a great book to give to any new grandparent, not only will it jig their memory of the practical care of babies and children; it will also plant seeds of thought of any of the relationship complications that can occur with the arrival of a new baby.
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