As you hold that tiny one in your heart, you may be surprised to discover that a whole other kind of wisdom is about to join the family. You’ll help your daughter see how to learn from her baby. You’ll help her relax into motherhood rather than to rush into it with goals and objectives.  You’ll help her enjoy throttling back the need to understand in her head and enjoying the wait for real understanding that arises in her heart.

You’ll see that this is her experience, not yours. It’s not what you say it’s how you are being with her (familiar I know).  Look for little ways of providing what’s needed that enhance her travels into motherhood.

Give the new parents time to themselves as parents before making yourself a part of the new family. It’s hard on new fathers to see what a small role they have at first. You can let the father find his footing a bit in his new role and support him in that transition.

New mothers respond to baby’s demands eagerly but can easily be overwhelmed as lack of sleep and respite add up. As grandma you can really help here – offering assistance and making it easier for the new parents to adjust.  As you respect your daughter’s wishes and needs you give her confidence in her mothering abilities. That’s a lot.

Make yourself available as needed. You will be a great grandma.