Grandparents are great, aren't they? They are another source of love and comfort for our children, and if we're lucky, even a wealth of wisdom when it comes to parenting. That's why I'm so happy to have Jill with us today. Being a grandmother comes with its perks, but Jill proves that among them is the powerful parenting perspective they offer. Read on to find out her take on kindness, and why it should all be for free...
As a grandparent,
what does kindness mean to you?
Kindness to me is doing what you can for your grandkids.
When they are little giving them love and attention but maybe later helping
with school stuff and if I live that long to help them as adults with all the
above and maybe some money.
Tells us the kindest
thing you’ve ever experienced as a parent/grandparent?
When my children who are both in their 30's buy me a sweet
card and tell me I have been a good mum and they love me.
Who/what inspires you
to be kind? Explain why they/it inspires you to do so
I try to be kind whenever I can. It cost nothing to be nice
to someone and it could be all they need in their day to make it bright. The
person who inspired me was my mother. She came from a tough east end of London
family and during WW2 she joined the Land Army . It was a really hard job and
overcoming the battle of being a woman during a so called man's job was hard.
She made me see that you can become anything you want if you only try. She
would help anyone out even if it were her last pound. I think the London she
come from was full of decent kind people who would help you in anyway. Strong
women are the backbone of the family, I admire all my mother achieved in her
life and passed onto me. I hope I can do
the same for my children and grandchildren.
It’s important to be
kind to others, but it’s just as important to be kind to yourself. What do you
do (or plan on doing) to be kind to yourself (either as a mother/grandmother,
as a professional, or as a woman)?
I need to say No more lol. I am a people pleaser and I often
wear myself out helping others. I need to be kind to me by relaxing and not
being such a huge worrier
It’s often said that
kindness is easier said than done. What valuable advice can you give for
showing kindness to others (especially to those who may not seem like they want
or deserve it)?
It is hard if someone feel like they do not want your
kindness or love. Maybe take time to really find out why someone should or does
need your kindness. My daughter once saw a homeless man outside a venue.
Everyone was going in a staring and making comments. She was so sad in her
break she asked for a tray of sandwiches and took them out. After chatting it
turned out he was a nice, honest guy who was just down on his luck. Lost job,
lost home = living on the street. He was so happy my daughter had been kind.
Don't pre judge before you know all the facts
What is the one thing
you want your children and grandchildren to learn about kindness?
It doesn't take much to be kind. You don't
have to spend lots of money to make someone feel good. A simple 'you look nice
today' or even a smile can me the world . Kindness in simple form is free and
its make you feel great
.
