Calling all Grannies: Banana Phone

0

Calling out to all you Grannies!

If you’re not a granny now, someday you will be…

 

…then, a quick ring-a-ding-ding to all you Mommies!

It’s said we become our moms but let’s not forget how we’ve been influenced by our Grandmothers. Even before I became a granny, I was choosing my grandmother name. Some advised me to just wait and see what the baby calls me, but that could be disastrous. I took a bit of each of my grandmothers’ names, Baba Dee. My husband quickly revealed his favorite, Baloo (the bear from Jungle Book.) Suddenly when you’ve been praying and longing for that opportunity BAM the baby arrives. Now what? At least you have a name.

I’ve been told by my other granny friends to never say, “Give me MY baby.” This tiny one is not yours. *Heavy sigh* Our children are on loan to us and even greater are our grandchildren. My children’s grandmothers were the best examples. When we decided to homeschool, (back when it was really weird and not many chose that schooling) they each had their input. Then, they saw us raise our children with wisdom.

Keeping your mouth shut creates peace. But when is it time to speak out? The obvious times are when those little ones could be in real danger. Most likely none of us will walk that path, at least let’s hope. So, that brings us all to the next phase. Be quiet. We know we know best, but they know they know best. Our trial and errors make us who we are today. Therefore, our children raising children will be that wild ride we’ve experienced as a mom. Openly we’re ready to “tell it like it is,” but honestly, we must be wiser than wise on our comments.

Not only you grannies need wisdom, but mommies also be kind. Just think how your own child responds when you tell them that if they do such and such, then such and such is going to happen. Yep, that “hot stove” moment becomes clearer when the burnt hand flings overhead in pain! Never give that “I told you so,” in response. Gracefulness in poise and elegance hand-pick a comeback. Then, hugs are due.

We first meet. Arlowe and BabaDee
Arlowe Jane and Mommy Mary our daughter
Swimmer Arlowe

I’m going to share the most perfect response to an awkward moment when you’re given advice on how to raise your child. The grandmother says, _____________. You say, “That’s something to think about.” This beautiful response not only will be clearly kind, but it’s a go-to phrase to your husband’s crazy ideas! Oh, wait, he’s not crazy. We’re the crazy ones, right? It’s a boat we’re all in, therefore lets each pick up an oar to row.

Grabbing a banana, my husband broke out in song this morning celebrating our Granddaughter Arlowe’s first banana! “Ring ring ring ring Banana phone!” he belted out! Raffi a kid’s cassette tape we raised our 4 children with, was now blasting out on our Alexa. Times have changed. Children don’t. Grandparents rock! Soon, you’ll see the transition from a know it all Grandparent to one who’s advice becomes limited.

Mom’s give input to their children. Then that mom becomes a grandmother who continues to give that input to their children. The beauty blooms as we watch that grandmother pour into that tiny one. “Grandmothers are just ‘antique’ little girls.” ~Author Unknown

It never ceases to amaze me the funny games we play with our children have come from our grandparents. “I can’t hear you!” my husband shrugs, “I’ve got a banana in my ear!” Thank goodness we both came from the Funny Farm of Families!

I’ve heard it said, “We have two ears and one mouth for a reason.” Listen quickly, speak slowly. If distance keeps you from connecting with that granny in your life, call her up today. I’m sure she’ll take that banana out of her ear to hear your sweet smiling voice.

Previous articleThe FWS of Feeling Good: Food, Water, Sleep
Next articleThe “SNAP BACK” after labor and delivery: Understanding what ACTUALLY happens to your body after birth.
Deena McDaniel
Coach Deena has been teaching fitness since 1991 and currently is also a dance instructor at Starlight Theater Company. As a graduate of the University of Oklahoma, she and her husband of thirty-two years are those extreme football fans you hear about. Boomer Sooner! Deena’s a brand-new grandmother and wait till you hear how this granny is taking life by the “horns down.” She’s a stay at home mom, who has homeschooled all four of their children. She’s excited to share her granny knowledge and teenage drama secrets to help you get through life. Deena McDaniel is the creator founder of Christmas Near The Beach, a premier Christmas show in Hollywood, Florida (Est. 2007). In 1996, Deena began writing her weekly column Positively Beautiful, which is published in a local Missouri paper and more recently in a blog form on Facebook. Her background includes TV commercial production, Evening News promotion and hosting her own radio request show, “Sunday Drive.” She has a passion for fitness. It has been a life long adventure, from bodybuilding to mime ministry you’ll see this mom of four teaching fitness of almost any style. She and her family are active members at Palm Vista Community Church in Miami Lakes, Florida. “Remember you’re never able to quit the job of motherhood, rather the dynamics keep changing and your employment is for life.”- Coach Deena

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here