Being excited watching grandchildren growing up is one the joys in life.  It’s wonderful to have grandchildren at the age where they can recognize people and appreciate the attention, love, and teaching associated with the nurturing and bonding that was given during the first years of infancy; at age two it’s a transitional year when they go from an infant to a toddler, it’s the “planting twos” where children learn at genius speeds.

This week Amy was in Honolulu helping our daughter Kimberly and her husband, Christian. Amy was glad to help and flew to Honolulu to be with their family.  Amy was anxious to see our granddaughter Andee and have fun with her. The week was busy as usual with Amy training and playing with Andee, including reading, writing and coloring, chasing her around the house, blowing bubbles, going to tumbling class, “putting make-up” on grandma, and cooking with the family; it was a busy and fun week.

After a week with Andee, Amy sees that Andee is happy and learning quickly, using sentences, and having less tantrums.  This is because Andee’s  “planting twos” years is being nurtured by her parents and family’s constant interaction, play, and loving discipline.

While having breakfast Kimberly told Andee, grandma was going back home to Hilo today,  Andee’s response put a tear in grandma’s eyes, Andee with a really sad face said,  “Gamma stay”.  And, when Kimberly asked Andee if she wanted to go with grandma, she said “otay”.

Joy from parenting doesn’t come from living in a big house nor the things we buy for them, seeds of joy comes from quality time we spend with children. Today, give the children a hug and lots of quality time together, the rewards are eternal.

Written By Carl Okuyama