1 of 13

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 2

means to be a child. Paradoxically, I fulfill my grandfatherly duties by 'supervising' and 'leading by example' the proper way to do things, like dance in a store, use spray bottles on plants and parents, and stomp around the living room during the rumpus as wild things. My daughter will sometimes say, "Oh, dad," in that moaning, embarrassed sort of way, but, deep down, I think she really appreciates it.

If not, she at least tolerates it, which is proved by her continuing allowance for Elli to come over, and by providing requested preparations like old clothes and shoes. After all, if there are no mud puddles to jump in, we can always make mud.

Even though I easily find my inner child by playing with the child, I still must use my own parental knowledge to protect my granddaughter from the realities of the world. Though it might seem better to eat sugared cereal for breakfast from a child's eyes, Grandpa knows it lacks the nutritional value that a frozen yogurt and fresh fruit sundae has for breakfast!

It is also important for me to recall my own learning curve to provide for safe growth. Elli is only two, so she has little in the way of experience, but I have experiences that I can apply in regulating what age is best to learn various things. For example, we are only at the beginning stages of using power tools, and she is still a bit young to learn the proper way to jump off a coffee table.

When the day comes that she is able to jump off a coffee table, though, I will have three Superman capes ready! There will be one for Elli, one for Grandpa, and one for mom when she says, "Oh, Dad," in that moaning, embarrassed sort of way, just so she can leap over tall buildings in a single bound with us!

Learn more about this author, Tom Koecke.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

Add your voice

Know something about Humor: Getting in touch with my inner child?
We want to hear your view. Write now!