Who, Me?

Last night, my Hero informed me that I spoil our grandchildren and he said it in a way that was not meant to be a compliment. Can you imagine?! He made this silly statement after I told him that our 4 year old granddaughter did not want her Mom to accompany us on a recently planned outing. Hero's theory is that our granddaughter did not want her Mom with us because I give in to her every wish, whereby, her Mother - well - does not! And evidently, according to Hero, I spoil all of our grands.

So, I asked Hero to define what -to spoil means. He did not have a ready answer but stated that he would have to think about it and get back to me.

At this point, I must emphatically state that spoiling grandchildren does not mean giving in to their every wish but the action is the 'Granny Handbook'. The 'Granny Handbook' specifically refers to spoiling as a primary and mandatory function of the job. That said, here's what I believe is the definition of spoiling.

Grandchildren should be spoiled with the following:

*Love
*Time
*Attention
*Patience
*Gentleness
*Kindness

Mind you, these are also characteristics practiced by loving parents. Grannies just get to exhibit these traits in a broader sense, if you will. I should mention that the parent's wishes should never be countermanded as that would be negative spoiling.

As I edit this post, my mind can't help but wander back many decades to time spent with my own dear grandmom. Such sweet and precious memories! And, yes, I was spoiled rotten but I was never permitted to misbehave or 'act spoiled'. I think, all things considered, I turned out alright!