Share

Granny power

Adele Hamilton, Editor Parent24
Adele Hamilton, Editor Parent24
'Do you know what my mother did to the baby?'

My friend Janice was almost in tears on the phone.
 
'What, what?' I asked, imagining that the woman had dropped the six-month-old baby on her head or burnt her in the bath.

'She gave her ice cream. ICE CREAM! Can you believe it?'

I listened dutifully to this tale of woe, but I was torn. Yes, this unauthorised administration of icecream went against Janice's carefully crafted organic, non-dairy, weaning programme.

But having grown up with an Ouma who delighted in spoiling me, I could just imagine the joy it gave Janice's mom to break the rules with that cool, sticky teaspoonful.

Our editor-in-chief Sam Wilson talks in her column about how spending time with grandparents can transform us, and we've also looked at the different roles grandparents can play in our children's lives.

After all, as Janice's mother said in her own defence: 'A child needs a little ice cream.'

Read more about grandparents:
Living with Granny 
In Granny's hands
Everything I know

Do you have a wonderful grandparent story, or do you wish your child had more time with theirs? Please share your granny and grandpa tales.
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE