Grandparents Embracing Co-Parenting with the Next Generation

Many believe that once our children reach adulthood, the need for co-parenting diminishes. However, my experience reveals that co-parenting extends well beyond the formative years of our children and into the realm of our grandchildren.

Five years ago, my husband, the biological father, passed away. For over 30 years, I have been a devoted bonus mom and a loving Nana. Despite this loss, our family remains unified—family first and always. This is a promise I made to my husband, and I remain steadfast in my commitment. I continue to be actively involved in my bonus son’s life and the lives of his family.

As my bonus son has matured into a remarkable adult, our bond remains as strong as ever. My role as a grandparent continues, and with it, my co-parenting responsibilities now extend to the next generation. Love and harmony are the cornerstones of our family.

Key Tips for Successful Grandparent Co-Parenting:

1. Maintain Open Communication: Keep lines of communication clear and consistent with all family members. This ensures understanding and alignment.
2. Respect Boundaries: Acknowledge and honor the boundaries set by biological and bonus parents. Our role is to support, not to take over.
3. Be Flexible: Adapt to changing schedules and plans. Flexibility fosters a stable and harmonious environment.
4. Focus on the Child’s Needs: Prioritize the well-being of the child. Ensure your involvement enhances their life, not complicates it.
5. Promote Harmony and Unity: Show your grandchildren the importance of family unity and harmony. This creates a sense of security and love.
6. Exhibit an Amicable Attitude: Lead by example with friendly and welcoming behavior.

I use the term “bonus” to emphasize that there are no distinctions in my daily life. Through my grandchildren’s eyes, I teach acceptance, respect, and unconditional love. A harmonious family environment benefits children profoundly, and co-parents play a crucial role in this. By standing together, we cultivate a space of safety, acceptance, enduring joy and mainly shining love in our hearts.

My role as a present Nana often involves collaboration and coordination. For instance, when my bonus grandchild’s biological parents are away, we grandparents come together for their benefit.

Recently, my son and his wife took a vacation, and my grandson, who is old enough to manage on his own, did not need babysitting. However, my granddaughter required babysitting for a week, and unfortunately, I had a sprained ankle. Staying at their place for the whole week made it difficult for me to take her to her extracurricular activities, so I coordinated my granddaughter’s schedule with her biological grandma, Mamie Jo, for pickups and drop-offs to ensure she did not miss any activities

My granddaughter enjoys the support of both grandmothers, who collaborate to be present in her life. The joy she experiences with both Mamie Jo and me fills her and our hearts with love and fulfillment.

What truly matters is the inner work we do. There is no competition for who is the best; energy transcends all. Children sense the atmosphere and distance themselves from negativity. When co-parenting is guided by love and harmony, and when the focus remains on the child’s well-being, love flows continuously.

Even as time passes, I still greet biological grandparents with respect at family events. Though my husband is no longer with us physically, I feel his spiritual presence and pride in our unified family. I have honored my vow to support my bonus son and his family.

Grandparents’ collaboration in co-parenting is vital because our love for our grandkids is eternal. We strive to make the world a better place, filled with smiles, respect and cherished moments. Stand tall, be the bigger person, and create hearts full of love for your grandchildren.

Here’s to grandparents collaborating in harmony!