Grandpa's role

Written by Roger Ashelford

Roger and his Grandson

After the initial excitement of the news that we were going to be grandparents I started to think of all the lovely things we would be able to do with our grandchildren as they grew up!  The very early years were wonderful for the cuddles and watching the development of these small people, the smiles and the start of language but I knew I was going to become more ‘useful’ as they all got older. 

When our first grandchild was about three months old I started on my first making project for him, a small car that he could sit in and steer.  This was far too soon but I really enjoyed it and as he grew into it he did appreciate it.  Project one turned into a more ambitious vehicle that was powered by a mobility scooter, this has been really enjoyed on visits to Granny and Grandpa.  Lots of other things have been built over the last five years the latest being a large dolls house that has provided entertainment over lockdown.  The grandchildren make up various stories for the characters and relate the story over FaceTime to Granny who arranges the characters. They saw the real thing for the first time last weekend, it was really fascinating and emotional watching them, a bit like the ‘Repair Shop’ when they have restored something and are giving it back. 

While my wife was engrossed with the grandchildren’s development I was quietly getting on thinking about how I could use my skills to provide interesting and stimulating things for them to play with and learn from.  

Perhaps it’s a Grandpa thing to quietly get on with things that you can really put your love and care into and the reward when you see small faces speechless with excitement is priceless. 

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