What do we learn from our grandchildren? Probably at least as much as they learn from us. I find myself totally enthralled in watching my grandson\’s expressions as his endless curiosity drives him to explore the world around him – from figuring out how to use his toy wrench and screwdriver to climbing up to the top of the big slide at the playground for the first time.

As I point out the things I want him to appreciate, I rediscover things myself. Pushing the stroller in the morning, I hear the birds more clearly, the crickets seem louder, the leaves are greener and the sun seems brighter. I\’ve learned to slow down a little and look around more. We live near a park with a small stream running through it. I sat and listened to the sound of the rushing water the other day. I don\’t think I\’ve done that in years. It\’s a very calming sound.

When we\’re with our grandchildren, we find ourselves smiling at the smallest victories, aware of the slightest obstacles in their way, and giggling like little kids at their pleasure. I was blowing bubbles for my little guy last week, and I was definitely much more into it than he was. The wand I was using had about a dozen holes in it. The bubbles were coming out in cluster of different sized orbs. He was smiling. I was giggling.

Optimism, curiosity, wonder and love of nature seem to come naturally to children. They express their feelings without hesitation, instantly trust and don\’t judge themselves or others. They have no concern for time, they smile spontaneously,and don\’t avoid eye contact.

Just thing of the rush we get when we walk into a room and our grandchildren light up and come running to us to give us a big hug and kiss. What would our world be like if we could find a way to make others feel that way when they see us? To make those around us feel wanted, needed and appreciated would boost our quality of life immeasureably.

A child will ask the same question time after time when going to their grandparents or to a children show, \”Are we there yet?\” It’s the passion, the desire, the curiosity as to what might be different than last time. Maybe the best way to do things is to do it differently.

We need to ask ourselves \”Are we there yet?\” It might be a business we want to start or a project that we want to get done. If the answer is no, then how exactly are we going to get there? Next time, try a different route, take a different approach, rock the boat, break the rules and get to your destination.

As we observe our grandchildren, we should be trying to recapture some of the innocence that we grew out of years ago – that sense that everything will work out, that we can have everything we want if we work hard enough and want it badly enough. Who knows – we may even get back the sense that this world still holds many wonders for us to discover. Don\’t give up.

MariAnna Bantell

LoveBeingAGrandma

MariAnna Bantell is the publisher of http://LoveBeingAGrandma.com, a new inbox newsletter targeted at grandmothers – Sharing the Joys, Concerns and Blessings of Grandchildren. She and her husband live in Southeastern PA and are the parents of three children and two grandsons.

MariAnna Bantell is the publisher of http://LoveBeingAGrandma.com, a new inbox newsletter targeted at grandmothers – Sharing the Joys, Concerns and Blessings of Grandchildren. She and her husband live in Southeastern PA and are the parents of three children and two grandsons.

Author Bio: MariAnna Bantell is the publisher of http://LoveBeingAGrandma.com, a new inbox newsletter targeted at grandmothers – Sharing the Joys, Concerns and Blessings of Grandchildren. She and her husband live in Southeastern PA and are the parents of three children and two grandsons.

Category: Family Concerns
Keywords: grandmothers, women, grandchildren, family, renew, new way of doing things, different approach,