(interviews with Nancy Webb and Pat Whitaker)
Welcome back to parts 2 & 3 of our Grandparents series where we get real with some grandmas (and great grandmas) and talk about their lives, their approach to parenting and grandparenting, and just try to glean some wisdom from these amazing women who have lived some life!
But first, let’s start with some grandma jokes:
- Q: Why did grandma put wheels on her rocking chair? A: She wanted to rock and roll!
- Q: Why do grandmas smile all the time? A: Because they can’t hear a word you’re saying.
- Q: What happened when grandma insisted to everyone that the Titanic would sink? A: She got kicked out of the theater.
But seriously! We are so excited for our conversation today. This episode is airing the day after Grandparents Day here in the US – which I recently learned is celebrated the first Sunday after Labor Day. (Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, Estonia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Philippines, Poland, Russia, Singapore, South Sudan, Portugal, Spain, Taiwan, United Kingdom, and the island of Malta all also celebrate Grandparents on a special day too!)
Grandparents Day might be even more special (or at least more needed and appreciated) in today’s society because more and more grandparents are providing care to their grandchildren. It is increasingly common for Grandparents to be the primary caregiver when both parents are working, as well as providing a much-needed respite so parents can take a night out together.
As we mentioned before, Grandma and grandpa’s home is the perfect place to start showing children that they are loved, safe, and secure in other homes. Children need to see how other families work, how other relationships succeed, and how other homes can be safe and loving too.
Pat Whitaker, a longtime family friend of mine (Renee) is joining us! If you listened to our episode on self-care with Kira Whitaker, you heard from one of her daughters-in-law… Tell us a little bit about yourself. (Husband, kids, grandkids, jobs, hobbies, anything you’d like to share)
What are your and your husband’s grandparent names? How did you get them?
What kind of relationship did you have with your own grandparent(s)? Did that affect how you approached grandparenting?
What are some of the most memorable times you had with your own grandmother or grandfather? (what years would this be—grandparents who would’ve been born in ______?) How do you think grandparenting – or parenting– for that matter has changed since you were a child and since you were a parent?
What are some of your favorite things to do with your own grandkids? Why?
Do you find your grandchildren appreciate stories you’re able to tell them about their mom or dad when they were little?
What sorts of things do you share with your grandchildren that their parents (perhaps) do not? (gardening, canning? Farming, a certain sport etc…?)
Is there something your grandchildren/great grandchildren know to count on/expect when they come to your house? (cookie jar always filled; a ride on the golf cart, a particular tradition? ….)
How have you handled the different methods of parenting that your own children may have chosen that might be different from the way you did it?
What have you learned as a grandparent that you wish you knew as a young mom? (That is, what would you tell your younger self from your vantage point as a grandmother or great-grandmother?)
What do you do to stay a part of your grandkids’ lives as they move into the pre-teen and teen years?
In our introductory episode we mentioned that the apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, “For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well.” 2 Timothy 1:5
Paul is saying that faith made its home in Lois and Eunice’s lives. It took up residence. It made a bunch of memories, on good days and bad days. Faith was present. Faith in God has been there through it all, living life with them. Sometimes when we think of an “alive faith,” we think of “being on fire for God.” Like going out and being a missionary or preaching on the curb. Those things matter. Those things are good. But that’s not how the Bible defines a living faith. Living faith is one that goes through life every day and seeks to know God, love him, and follow the Holy Spirit wherever he leads. That’s an alive faith. That’s a faith that dwells in us every day.
What do you do to pass along a spiritual inheritance to your grandkids?
What would you say to someone about to be a grandparent for the first time? Any cautionary tales or particular advice?
SInce you also represent the generation above US, what wisdom would you impart on our generation & those younger than ours—about marriage or raising a family? How might you distill the most important things you wish you could impart?
“Grandparents can be very special resources. Just being close to them reassures a child, without words, about change and continuity, about what went before and what will come after.” –Mr. Rogers