Interview #2: Grandy

Grandy has four children and seven grandchildren.  He grew up with two sisters and offers some bits of wisdom below:

Maintain Balance
Grandy feels it's important to balance the discipline and love you have for your children. They need both. It's also important to know your kids friends and reassure your children that you are there for them.

Respect Possessions
He would advise parents of today to teach their children to respect what they have. Show them how to take care of their things, like not leaving toys out on the grass overnight.  When they are old enough, perhaps taking them to a soup kitchen could reinforce a gratitude for the gifts, both material and otherwise, that the children have.  It's important to teach kids the value of money and how to care for it. Perhaps giving a small allowance for key chores.

Limit Technology
Don't let kids spend too much time on devices. When he was little Grandy spent so much more time outside than kids of today. This reminds me of the book "Last Child in the Woods," which expounds on this idea.

Best Memory
Grandy's best memories are of the kids accomplishments; their little league championships and running races.

Pray
Grandy also encourages parents of today to keep saying their prayers.  You never know what's to come and you need strength and faith to get through the ups and downs.