Grandparents' Class Pro or Con?

Updated on June 03, 2008
M.P. asks from Chicago, IL
5 answers

All of my grandparents were dead before I was born, and my baby will be lucky enough to have all 4 when it's born. I thought offering to enroll my parents and in-laws in a grandparents' class would really make them feel included in my baby's life, plus then they'll learn all about current birthing and parenting methods which are really different from when they had kids (my in-laws are in their 50s and 60s and my parents are in their mid seventies!). I want them to see what I'm going through and hopefully not be too quick to criticize, and feel involved, and stuff like that. I've heard that the grandparenting class offered by Lutheran General Hospital is really good.

Question: Are there any grandparents out there who've taken such a course? Any mothers whose parents took it who can offer insight? Was it good? I do fear that by suggesting it I'll offend them and make them think I don't have any faith in their grandparenting skills and that they need a class to be a good grandparent. My parents are already grandparents (and never took a course) which complicates things, but the last kid was 8 years ago, and my parents do nothing but complain about my brother's parenting techniques which are really rather mainstream nowadays. Spanking just isn't done any more, for example. Please let me know if you have any suggestions about if I should ask them to take this course.

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.O.

answers from Chicago on

M.,

My husband and I were very interested in all of the classes offered prior to our child's arrival - esp. since we had no nieces, nephews or cousins who were babies. We signed up for "Parenting 101" at the hospital and "offered" to pay for our parents to attend the "Grandparents 101" class being offered in the next room at the same time. We played it off as something fun and educational for all of us and decided to go out to lunch together afterwards. We shared stories of our learning experiences and had a hoot!
Maybe that will help you raise the subject to the parents? We are lucky to have parents who are still willing to learn, and admit that they don't know everything.

Keep smilin' - and good luck with the baby on the way!

Sara

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.E.

answers from Chicago on

I would ask them if they would be interested in grandparent classes. If they are interested go for it. I think it would be enjoyable for grandparents who were interested.

S.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.B.

answers from Chicago on

My parents attended a "Bootie Camp" class with us. Grandparents were encouraged to attend. They really enjoyed it and it made them feel like a part of the whole experience. They learned some new things, too! I think you could tell them it would be a fun class so they can see what you are going to be experiencing.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.M.

answers from Chicago on

I offered to send my mom to the class since "things had changed since she had babies" and was told she wasn't interested. I felt that I received criticism for some time because I did things differently. It finally came down to me saying, "I'm the mother and am following the advice and direction of my son's pediatrition. If you don't like the way I do things and don't respect my decisions, you're not going to be invited around to see your grandson." It was harsh, but needed to be said. Every now and then I have to offer a gentle reminder to her (almost 2 years later!)but it's gotten better.

If they're willing to go, send them. It'll make life easier for you so you don't have to explain why you're doing what your doing. The first few weeks are the roughest as you're a new mom, emotions are high, you're sleep deprived and want to do everything right. Having as many people on the same page helps with that as you don't want to be going through all that AND have to teach someone what you want done or feeling like you're being criticized and have to justify your way of doing things.

Remember, you're the mother, what you say goes. Bottom line.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.K.

answers from Chicago on

Before you sign them up ask them first. Don't assume that they will want to do it. I had a prob. with my MIL and she told me flat out that she was fine and knew everything cause she had two of her own. yada yada. Please, just ask.

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions

Related Searches