Freshly Squeezed by Ed Stein for January 28, 2024

Just remember your kids can tell embarrassing stories about you too, as well as make fun of how you raised them.

I chose the ‘good’ when our first grandchild came along, that of ‘Designated BAD Example.’ I still hold the position with grandchild #16. I am the ‘Mean’ grandparent, however, I am also the hands-down FAVORITE. I did not need a self-help book to guide me.

I was a step-grandparent.

1 I couldn’t afford to spoil the kids.

2. Their mother would bring them to me when they were cranky and go off to chat with my wife.

3. The children told me embarrassing (and disturbing) stories about their mother.

4. I taught them things like drawing and how to play with a cat. Their mother taught them to doubt themselves every day.

One day, I showed them how Vivekat would jump up on a table when asked to do so. I told her “Good girl”. The youngest step-granddaughter looked at me and said, “I want to be a good girl.”

It nearly broke my heart. It was obvious she was rarely praised.

No money-making book here. Grandparents know all of that intuitively.

I’ve been sworn to secrecy on a few things. My daughter doesn’t want her kids doing some of the things she did.

5. The grandma must always be as b17chy and obnoxious as possible