Usually, grandparents are involved in their grandchildren’s lives for one sole reason – to spoil them and give them everything that their parents say ‘no’ to. Yet, my role as a grandma is a bit different.
My little granddaughter experienced something that no kid wants ever to happen. Her parents separated, and her mother, my daughter, really suffered because of that. For that reason, I had to be one hundred percent involved in my granddaughter’s upbringing from the very beginning. I was there for her first words and helped her make her first steps. I held her hand when she was sad and protected her from the fears she had.
I was also there when she started going to the kindergarten…oh, those tears, tight hugs, and the period of adaptation to the new and unknown environment. The challenges were great.
I often wondered if there was a different and better way to deal with some situations and challenges. Am I making all the right decisions?
All of us coped with that situation in our own way, including my little granddaughter. It wasn’t easy to find the right balance and be both the grandma and the parent-figure she deserves.
Grandma Ljiljana:” I was so happy to see that the Support, not perfection program was not only for parents but also for grandparents that love their grandchildren in a special way.
One day, at the entrance of the kindergarten I saw a poster about a program called, “Support, not perfection“. It immediately intrigued me, because it was intended not only for parents but also for grandparents that love their grandchildren in a special way.
Even though I raised my daughter without anyone’s help, I felt that this program came into my life in just the right moment.
I knew that my family was in a situation where I had to be the one who is going to step up and be there for my girls. Especially for my little grandbaby.
I can’t even start to explain my happiness when I saw how much the program facilitators were supportive and delighted for my interest and desire to take part in this program. I was very dedicated and carefully listened to everything that was said in the workshops I attended. I got a chance to meet a lot of young parents and hear their experiences. It encouraged me to question myself and realize what is something that I could change in my behavior that would benefit my little girl.
I’ve learned so many things. Especially how to look at some challenges and situations in our lives from two different angles, as a mother but also as a grandma, and understand my position and role in the life of my precious girl.
Program “Support, not perfection” gave me some kind of strength and confidence I didn’t have before. It gave me the knowledge, advice, and valuable experiences that I can pass on to my daughter, and help her be the best version of herself and even a better mother to her little girl.
The aim of the free “Support, not perfection” program for parents and guardians is to empower them to recognize the needs and feelings of the child and to teach them that there are no ready-made solutions and perfect parents, but parents/guardians who love and understand the child. The sixth cycle of the project has just been completed, and in the two and a half years of its existence, the program has educated more than 1,200 parents and guardians, which indirectly had an impact on over 2,500 children. The “Support, not perfection” program is implemented in collaboration with Generali Insurance Serbia and The Human Safety Net.
