Hi Jan,

I am not a first time granny, but I am bringing up one of my grand daughters.  I have had her since she was only a few weeks old and she is now turning 6 years.  She has just started school. 

I can only say that even though I know that she is my grand daughter, I stil feel the same way with her as my own children.  I felt the same way on her first day at school.  Nothing seems to be different.  I must say that I have a closer relationship with her than the other grandchildren who live in their own homes.

My mother minded my niece when her mother went to work, and even though she is now married, my mum still has that close relationship with her. 

One just can't help this and  be prepared to miss him when he leaves your care.

i am not a 1st timer as i have 33 granchildren.at the moment my only daughters oldest child is being raised by me.as it is customary in our culture.she is my princess and really set's an example to her brothers and sisters.she is flourishing nicely.i actually think it is better 2nd time round.my granddaughter is very lucky in that she see,s her mum and (new) dad everyday.she occassionally goes and spends a weekend with them.she says she will keep the tradition going when she is old enough.i always help my daughter out with looking after the twins(1g&1b)they really are the terrible twos when it comes to playing tricks.but i love them all to bits and would never allow them to be ill-treated or go without any thing.they all know how to play me off against their parents as most kids do.my neighbour is in hospital and i have offered to help out with her 4 yr old son.he is also a little gem.i will look after him during the day, i was really lost when my last one left home ,he is 30yrs old this year.i was actually pleased i listned to my elders back home and followed our culture.it is very sad that the GOVERNMENT AGENCY NAMED C.Y.P.F.S. do not help people to keep their culture that they were raised with.within a culture is not about hitting and beating kids,it is about nutureing them and loving them and perhaps giving them a different lifestyle that they need for their future.they are not used as slaves,or anything like that.my other grandkids have seen good results with their oldest sister living with their nanny.yet they never feel left out.when my 1st grand child was born about 21 year ago it really was a strange feeling for me but it gave me a chance help out.they live out of town from me so i have to save to see them.won't belong and i will a great nanny.that will be another challenge i guess, but i am looking forward to it.good luck to other grandparents out there,go for it and share the fun of building the stairway of love.

Hi I know what you mean I watched my grandaughter come into the world just like my mother did with my daughter my daughter was working from 6am to 5pm at the meatworks so I was her carer for most of the week now she has a different job and less hours so I don't get her as much but yes I had to establish a routine and disipline oh how hard that was but we managed LOL enjoy what you've got cause they might have to move and then you will not see them as much my husband has 6 grandchildren from a previous marraige ansd I am Nanna Linda to them but he hasn't seen most of them and only talked to a few on the phone as they are in different states Grandparents Rule LOL

Welcome! I can only imagine how hard it is to be a grandparent doing this all over again, but at the same time enjoying it perhaps even more than the first time (?)