My kids and their GrandFolks!

My parents have been with us for past few days and it’s just been lovely to have them around. Although a 4-month trip seems kinda long, I am pretty certain it is going to zip by! With my MIL (A’s primary caregiver) out of town, it is my folks who have been keeping A’s company the last few days. I was a little anxious and skeptical of their babysitting skills and capabilities but so far, so good. They are trying hard, very hard to keep the situation under control. A’s been behaving as well. Although she was a little squirmy and whiny the first day, she seems to be taking well to her maternal grandparents.
D, of course, is loving every minute of their presence but is still his naughty self. Still in his NO mode, sticks out his tongue just when my mother tries to kiss him, throws a tantrum in between. But the minute my parents threaten to pack their bags and catch the next possible flight to India, he runs towards them, hugs them tightly and yells NOOOOO!Please don’t! I must say he has become a bit manageable since my last post about his incorrigible and frustrating ways.
It is just wonderful to see both my kids interact with my parents. A rarity with us being physically (geographically) apart. They are already blessed to have a set of grandparents close by (my in-laws) with whom they do share a special bond. But now it is even better to have all four of them showering their unconditional love and affection on their grand kids. It is just amazing to see how all their faces light up the minute they see these kids. It is a marvel to watch them communicate with one another. Every moment they are together is filled with warmth, tenderness and amusement.
I am glad my parents can come and visit us in the US. I have heard of families where the grand parents have never had the opportunity to meet their grand children let alone play with them. Or their child has not taken his /her kids to India to meet with the family due to financial reasons, visa status or simply because they feel no reason for it.
It is important the kids know the elders in the family. It is the elders who can teach them some of life’s invaluable lessons or imbibe in them the values that are so easily forgotten or ignored today.
I grew up with both my maternal and paternal grandmothers and I can confidently say that their presence have shaped my life positively in some way or other. I certainly hope I can provide as many opportunities and occasions to my kids (‘properties’, as my father puts it) that will help them realize how important a role their grandparents have in their lives. Teach them to nurture and strengthen the very special ‘relationship’ that is already forming.