Issue link: https://fredparent.uberflip.com/i/200031
FP: What was it like to become a grandparent? JW: Laughs. I thought I was much too young to become a grandparent. I was not in the grandparent "mode," and I guess it's because I was 20 years old when we had our first daughter. So, I was not much over 40 when I became a grandparent. By the time the second one came along, I was used to it. As four, five and six arrived, I got more into the groove. My oldest daughter lives in Roanoke, Va., and the middle daughter live in Atlanta, Ga. Our youngest daughter lives in Fredericksburg along with her 10-yearold daughter. My granddaughter keeps me young! She knows just what buttons to push to keep my juices flowing. FP: Do you spoil the grandkids? USA Allstars, featured in TLC's Cheer Perfection is a great place to cheer. Have you thought about placing your child in cheer, but just weren't sure if they would like it? Let them try a tumbling class or a cheer prep class. During the month of November, Clip this ad and get one free class. This offer is limited to non-members that have not previously taken classes or cheered at USA Allstars. 40 Perchwood Drive, Stafford VA. Conveniently located on Route 1 just north of exit 136 www.oosacheer.com 540-328-0678 JW: I try not to. My wife tells me I am much too serious and stern. I was raised in a family where my mother was Scots-Irish and my father was German. But when it comes to spoiling, my wife is the best at it. I don't think she ever says no. "You raise our granddaughter 180 degrees differently than how you raised our three daughters," I tell her. And her reply is, "That's what grandmas are for." FP: What are your favorite things to do with your grandchildren? JW: We love to camp down in the Northern Neck in our RV. We also enjoy going playing ball or riding bikes on the new canal path downtown. I just took my granddaughter to the Marine Corps Museum as well as a Civil War museum. FP: What advice do you have for new grandparents? JW: First thing I would say is be careful that you don't step on the parents' toes when you are trying to overrule disciplinary actions. Grandparents are very quick to give their opinions. Maybe it's good to keep you opinions to yourself. Being grandparents allows you to make up for the times that you didn't pay close attention to your own children when they were growing up. You can now slow down and enjoy your grandchildren…it's a rather amazing experience to watch. Kerry Pinto is a freelance writer living in Stafford. www.FredParent.NET 13