Grandmas and grandpas are an important support for many parents in the care and upbringing of their children. They like to spoil their grandchildren and quickly allow what mum and dad have actually forbidden at home. Conversely, they often throw astonished looks at the methods of today’s parents and allow themselves to be carried away to the point that “we wouldn’t have had that before”.
When it comes to important educational issues, grandmothers and fathers should definitely pull together with the parents, otherwise conflicts are inevitable. If the older ones often get involved or criticize, this also tugs at the often already fragile nerves of new parents. Young mums and dads, on the other hand, should always remember that the interference of older generations is always based on sympathy, because grandmas, grandpas and Urlis only want the best for the child.
Opinions differ on these questions
Differences of opinion between young parents and grandparents arise on many everyday issues. We show five classics:
1. “The baby shouldn’t sleep in your bed with you.”
A reproach that many parents often hear: your child will never learn to sleep in its own bed if it lies in your parents’ bed at night. In fact, many small children prefer to be close to mum and dad when they sleep, want to be nursed to sleep or caressed when they are awake at night. Experts say that as long as the parents are happy with the sleep situation, this is perfectly fine (read an interview with a baby sleep counselor here!).
What’s your opinion? Vote!
2. “What? Still breastfeeding?”
“Why is breastfeeding so frowned upon among older generations?” is what a mother wants to know on a large online forum for parenting issues. The 60+ generation often looks at breastfeeding mothers with skepticism and doubts the amount of milk and whether the little ones are really fed up with it. Longer breastfeeding and the importance of breast milk for the health of the baby – that does not seem to have been an issue in earlier times. (You can find out more about long-term breastfeeding here!)
What do you think?
3. “Screaming strengthens the lungs.”
It’s a common misconception that babies cry strengthen their lungs. The first cry after birth releases the lungs, the lungs and sacs continue to develop as a result of normal growth. No further “training” is required. It strengthens their bond when parents react quickly to their screaming child, there is no such thing as too much physical contact. Which brings us to the next point:
4. “You just carry your kid around.”
Cloths, baby carriers made of different materials, Kraxen, etc. – nowadays there are many aids to carry your child close to your body and to have your hands free. A baby carrier also has health benefits: If the child sits with their legs apart in the so-called “spread squat position”, hip damage is prevented. Parents can choose the right baby carrier for them and their offspring from a large number of models, babywearing advisors will help you with the decision. The same applies here: You don’t spoil your baby by transporting it in a carrier.
Carrying aid – yes or no?
5. “One more piece of chocolate…”
Mum makes sure that the diet is low in sugar, and grandma is happy to bring a bar of chocolate for the grandchildren. Diet is a common argument between parents and grandparents. The grandparents want to spoil the children with small treats, parents have read that sugar has no place on the menu of small children. If there is a dispute about sweets, only a clarifying conversation will help. One solution might be low-sugar alternatives, such as homemade bars, rice cakes, or pieces of fruit.
How do you feel about nutrition?
Do you know any other points of contention between parents and grandparents when it comes to bringing up children? Leave us a comment!
Source: Nachrichten
