Nana's Notes

Could be the title for another one of my books: I have 3 in preparation already !


It's such a different and unknown role .... being a Nana ......... Kovu and all that he brings is now Jessica's story ..... not mine .....OK I play a part - but I have to step back, support them, but let them make their own way!


I also have to acknowledge that my parenting experience of newborns is 18 years old - ancient history!


I need to accept that although much of my knowledge is common sense, it is also very dated and current "best practice" and scientific advancements etc. have made improvements or changes to how I may have cared for a newborn. Not that things are really that different  .....  


One huge improvement is the neonatal ward at Cygnet Wing in Bedford. When Kovu had to be re-admitted due to his infection I was just so impressed at how the nurses were there .... but not overbearing .... there to advise but not to preach ...... there to support but not take over. The whole atmosphere on the ward was pleasant - happy - staff just seemed relaxed but purposeful. 


This is the attitude I should adopt - the "there .... but not overbearing .... there to advise but not to preach ...... there to support but not take over" I hope I am achieving this already but, like having a first child, having a first grandchild is perhaps the greatest learning curve!


You don't stop learning just because the children have left home. You just have to start looking at things in a different way. Thankfully, I have a Mum too! She has become the sounding board - she always has been - but it really helped a couple of days ago to go to her and run things past her !


I guess that is where I am lucky - how do families manage when the parents/grandparents/great-grandparents are not close by or available for that support? There is so much information available on the web but equally that can be information overload!


So, maybe there is a need for Nana's notes ? Am sure there are already several books on being a grandmother but then ....... there's always room for one more !!!