Grandparents' Class Pro or Con?

M.,

My husband and I were very interested in all of the classes offered prior to our child's arrival - esp. since we had no nieces, nephews or cousins who were babies. We signed up for "Parenting 101" at the hospital and "offered" to pay for our parents to attend the "Grandparents 101" class being offered in the next room at the same time. We played it off as something fun and educational for all of us and decided to go out to lunch together afterwards. We shared stories of our learning experiences and had a hoot!
Maybe that will help you raise the subject to the parents? We are lucky to have parents who are still willing to learn, and admit that they don't know everything.

Keep smilin' - and good luck with the baby on the way!

Sara

I would ask them if they would be interested in grandparent classes. If they are interested go for it. I think it would be enjoyable for grandparents who were interested.

S.

My parents attended a "Bootie Camp" class with us. Grandparents were encouraged to attend. They really enjoyed it and it made them feel like a part of the whole experience. They learned some new things, too! I think you could tell them it would be a fun class so they can see what you are going to be experiencing.

I offered to send my mom to the class since "things had changed since she had babies" and was told she wasn't interested. I felt that I received criticism for some time because I did things differently. It finally came down to me saying, "I'm the mother and am following the advice and direction of my son's pediatrition. If you don't like the way I do things and don't respect my decisions, you're not going to be invited around to see your grandson." It was harsh, but needed to be said. Every now and then I have to offer a gentle reminder to her (almost 2 years later!)but it's gotten better.

If they're willing to go, send them. It'll make life easier for you so you don't have to explain why you're doing what your doing. The first few weeks are the roughest as you're a new mom, emotions are high, you're sleep deprived and want to do everything right. Having as many people on the same page helps with that as you don't want to be going through all that AND have to teach someone what you want done or feeling like you're being criticized and have to justify your way of doing things.

Remember, you're the mother, what you say goes. Bottom line.

Before you sign them up ask them first. Don't assume that they will want to do it. I had a prob. with my MIL and she told me flat out that she was fine and knew everything cause she had two of her own. yada yada. Please, just ask.