When the word "grandma" (or any special name that means "grandmother") floats from the lips of one of our grandchildren, we simply melt. And I mean the ice cream kind of melt, where the sweetness and deliciousness is all over us. But there is another kind of grandmother melting too, and this kind comes from the grandchildren who bark or meow rather than speak.
Many, many families blend kids and pets. Sometimes the pets arrive first, and other times the pets arrive at the request of the kids; but either way, the pets are often considered siblings. To grandparents, this means that the family pets are our grandpets. This wonderful family blending gives grandparents a special voice in teaching our grandchildren both responsibility and love. Some tips to keep in mind are as follows:
1. Always show affection for your grandchild's pet or pets, whether a simple pat on the head, a big kiss on the snout, or a "hello" from across the room. Your grandchild wants you to love his pet as much as he does, and any negative energy that you may have for pets should be left at the door. If you have a great fear of pets, your children probably already know this, but asking your adult child to possibly keep a pet away from you is something you may want to do ahead of your visit. You don't want your fears to be perceived as a strong dislike of your grandchild's special and beloved pet.
2. Know the name of the pet or pets. Use the name when referring to the pet. If your grandchild loves his pet, he wants you to know, and remember, the pet's name. There is nothing more dismissing of a child, or a pet, than forgetting something as personal as a name. Also, don't call a "he" a "she" or vice versa. Gender is as important as a name!
3. Remember to bring a gift for the pet on special days or holidays. These gifts can be as small as a greeting card, a box of supermarket treats, or as elaborate as a new doggie or cat bed. Many families celebrate the birthday of the pet, and/or the day the pet was adopted. Be visible on these days. Make a special phone call. Send an e-card. Bring a pet parent-approved treat and join in the celebration. Your grandkids will love you for remembering.
4. Ask your grandchild questions about his pet. Has he learned new tricks? Do you take him for walks? What is his favorite treat? Does he play with other pets? Where does he sleep? Do you groom him? Who cleans up the poop!? Questions engage your grandchild in not only the love for his pet, but also for the feeling of responsibility for his pet. You may even want to purchase books for your grandchild regarding the care of pets to show how much you care about the pet.
Caring for children and caring for pets are similar in many ways. Both require lots of love, and lots of thought. One of the easiest ways to reach both is through respect of the love that a child has for his pet, and the love the pet has for the child. Join this special place with your grandchildren. The sweetness of your world will be multiplied.
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