Want to be happy? Play with grandkids
Alina and Thea Rodewald, now 14 months old. No one would describe me as particularly maternal. I lost my mother at an impressionable age and was raised by my father. I never considered myself much good at babysitting. That's until grandkids arrived and I had time on my hands. Today, I find a lot of joy in being around and playing with the three young girls, youngest of the nine wonderful grandkids we have. I call the youngest Rodewald daughters -- who recently celebrated their first birthday -- the "Gerber babies" and they are a busy duo. These days they are taken with magnetic toys and I find I enjoy playing with them, a lot! This approach is not a bad idea if you have a baby in your life. According to firstthingsfirst.org , love is the most important thing grandparents can offer. That's not too surprising. Babies and toddlers need unconditional love, regular support and interaction from grandparents (and parents) in order for healthy brai