In September of 2006 I became Yaya. I flew back to Oregon from Hawaii to be there for the birth and missed it by a day. The little man could not wait. I was available to assist for the first six weeks of his life, offering my experience, and providing relief for both the mom and dad. The mom had not been around babies much, had not been a "babysitter" during her teens, and had never changed a diaper before this, her first son. The dad had lots of experience with children, having been the oldest of three boys, and having spent most of his teen years babysitting for family for spending money. They worked together, but when they got sad and frustrated because their little man was hungry but not latching on, then they called on Yaya and her experience. I was so pleased to be able to give them an easy fix.
No matter how much a baby likes to have the freedom of movement and limited clothing, when it is time to eat, then it is time to swaddle them into a cocoon of safety and warmth. I talked to them about this as I took this grand and wrapped him comfortably tight into his receiving blanket and handed him back to his mom. He latched on immediately; her tears of gratitude and relief followed.
Having a child to care for is a learning experience. You are forever in training. The world changes, the supplies and toys change, the expectations and do's and don't's vary from generation to generation, and family dynamics change. As grandparents, we need to remember that we are not the parent. If we did a good job with raising our children, then we should let them raise their children and use us as reference guides to help when they want it.
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