How did you explain it to your kids or grandchildren?
By ch88ss
@ch88ss (2271)
United States
September 17, 2008 5:12pm CST
When should kids understand the relationship between you and their grandmother. Is it normal for a five year not to understand that yet?
My daughter does not know or understand that her grandmother is my mother and her auntie is my sister, and her uncle is my brother
Or her auntie is her grandmother’s daughter etc. (which is understand considering she is autistic and need extra help in processing the information)
I just spoke with the colleague who also says her granddaughter who is a bright girl, also don’t understand that her mom is her grandmothers daughter.
How did you explain it to your kids or grandchildren?
2 people like this
4 responses
@Barb42 (4214)
• United States
17 Sep 08
I never had the problem of making our children understand those relationships. IF they are around them enough, they soon understand and can relate to them. Why not draw a picture to represent all those people, with lines drawn to each from the mother to the child, etc., name them, so she can get to know it that way. Perhaps that would help her process it easier. OR, use photos on a bulletin board and show her the relationship that way. It would be something she could refer to all the time.
@ch88ss (2271)
• United States
17 Sep 08
Draw, oh no. My sense of art is horrible. I think my 6 yr can draw better than I do.
But I do like your idea, another user suggested the family tree with photos, which is similar to your suggestion. I think this is a good idea.
I might take pictures and have her put it on the bulletin and connect the dots.
Thanks for the great suggestion
@Barb42 (4214)
• United States
18 Sep 08
I just had another thought. Why not put some of the double tape (forget what you call it and I've used it for years in drapery making)on the picture and the bulletin board. You could put the name of the person under the pictures. The tape would be glued to the back of the picture and the other side to the board. Then she could match the pictures to the correct name. The tape sticks to each other when pushed together, but is easily pulled apart. You probably can find small pieces at WalMart.
@Foxxee (3651)
• United States
23 Sep 08
My daughter is 6 now && she caught on about grandma being her mommy's mom when she was about 3ish.
But with that said, all kids learn at different levels. So I wouldn't worry to much.
All I did was just tell my daughter that grandma was also a mommy && that she was my mommy. My daughter was confused at first && would tell me no, but in time they catch on.
I think if you leave it be, it will come to her in time.
@chengbeb (285)
• Philippines
17 Sep 08
My daughter and my son understood the concept when they were 5 years old. You just have to be patient in explaining it to the them in simple terms. I remember when my son first asked me about this I actually used a family tree to explain it to him and he understood. Visuals are very important for young ones it helps them see from their own perspective. Hope this helps! Happy mylotting!
@travibabiesgirl (1690)
• United States
19 Sep 08
I think it takes a while for all kids to fully grasp the family concept. My son was 7 or 8 and we still had to explain it a little at times to him. He is a super bright kid but sometimes the little concepts get him. I just explained it like you did that my mom was my brothers mom and my mom was their grandma. They will eventually get it. Just don't feel to bad about your daughter not gettin it yet. Like I said my son took a while to get it as well.
@ch88ss (2271)
• United States
24 Sep 08
Hi Travi
YOu are right, I should not worry since all kids learn at their own pace.
I think I will keep trying. The hardest part comes when somebody tells my son, something for example
"where is your mom? Or give this to your mom" and my son, hands them to me. She will start to cry, because she says, that is "my mommy"
But I hope I can avoid those situation until she is ready to understand.
