What makes perfect grandparents?

If only I had the answer to what makes a perfect grandparent, we would not find ourselves in a denied contact situation.

Of course there are usually two sets of grandparents, who may have completely different views on their role,which can lead to conflict itself.

I have come across grandparents who are jealous of the amount of time the 'other' set spend with the grandchildren, I am fairly sure that within our group the comment would be, if only we had the opportunity of anytime to spend with our grandchildren, it would be amazing.

But it raises an important point, why on earth do we feel jealous,we don't own children as parents or grandparents.

Children are part of us and our family, but do we have a right over them?

As parents we find out quite quickly that our children have their own lives to lead and we just give them a kick start, as grandparents we have to allow our children to bring up their own children in their own way, to make the same mistakes we made and to learn by those mistakes.

You can think your own thoughts but keep them in your head.

Is there a perfect grandparent?

Someone who is there to give support if asked,never to interfere, never criticise,don't undermine the grandchildren's parents . Ok , so we can't all be perfect, actually the truth is no-one is perfect.

I most certainly have made mistakes have spoken out of turn and have paid the ultimate price, of not having had any contact with my granddaughter since 2007.

So for any grandparents who may feel aggrieved that they don't spend enough time with their grandchildren, treasure every precious moment as you never know how things can change.

Jane.