We all know that grandparents (and especially grampas) are famous for spoiling their grandchildren. I believe this is a bad thing. It is something we as grandparents simply shouldn't do. If my Phoebe were to get everything she asks for, it would most certainly spoil her beyond repair. So I try my best not to do that. And most days I succeed.
I believe there is a much better way to deal with grandchildren. If I can think of things Phoebe might need BEFORE she can ask for them, then that wouldn't be spoiling her. It's good logic in my mind and works well as a grandparent. I know this from almost seven years of hands-on experience. It takes a lot of practice to get this technique right. :)
Tomorrow is Phoebe's seventh birthday. With everyone else in the house busy, frantically doing pre-Christmas chores, it was decided that Phoebe could hang with me to stay out of everyone else's way. No problem, for we had many adventures to accomplish in our time together. Officially, we were to go to town on business. I was ordering the pipes and fittings to use for the new compressed air delivery system in the shop. We also had a little Christmas shopping to do as well.
Our first stop was at the mall. We did our shopping with the understanding a meal out was to follow. Since it was Phoebe's birthday tomorrow, it was only fitting she picked the place. And her favorite was sushi. Phoebe ordered up a bunch of stuff I couldn't pronounce and NEVER would want to eat. Grampa settled for the less adventuresome teriaki chicken on rice. Then we were off to the tool store to order the pipe and fittings. As Phoebe's great fortune would have it, there is also a party supply store in the building. We couldn't leave without some cool balloons, filled with helium of course. Then it was off to the dollar store for a special treat for Phoebe. Phoebe selected a small cheerleader's megaphone and some pompoms. Grampa agreed it was a most excellent choice. On the way home we detoured to the mall for a visit with Santa. There wasn't much time to get her wishes in before Christmas and this was the perfect opportunity. Grampa couldn't help eaves dropping a little as Phoebe told Santa her wish list for Christmas. (Grampas use every possible method to get our information.) I secretly wrote the entire list down for future reference.
After the visit with Santa, it was time for one last trip to the food court for a treat. Phoebe had been sooooo good! As we waited for our turn at the counter Phoebe looked up at me with her big brown eyes and said. "Grampa this has been a very special day!" I had to agree. Then she asked... "So can I have a coke?"
There is a rule that is strictly imposed by her momma, (since Phoebe was little) that Coca Cola is only allowed on special days.
I had to think about it for a second or two (and ponder the possible reprocussions). I decided that with it being the day before Phoebe's seventh birthday, and the two of us having spent this day on a most wonderful adventure, that it was indeed a VERY special day. A shared Coke would be the perfect celebration.
-grampa dan