I try to help them by taking the kids to give them some free time, run errands for them and not interfere. If I don't agree with something they are doing, I tell them in a kind, non-judgmental way; then I drop it. I also try to show them in the way that I interact with their children. Both are single dads and all-in-all, they do a really great job and they are kind and loving to their children. -Mary, Grammy to three

I like to offer to keep all the children (ranging in age from five years to two months) for the day and into the evening. This helps the parents have some time to relax. Go out to dinner and enjoy the break. -June, Nana to four

I think the best help I can offer my daughter and her husband is to give them a break from the children. I take the boys when I can, to do things outside of the house. I take them to the park, and/or to eat out. I try my best to take them away for as long as I can, so parents can do whatever they want to do with their free time. -Janice, Gramma to three

I don't live that close to our triplet grandkids age 4, so when I do see them, I try to concentrate on spending as much play time with them as possible. And yes, I probably do spoil them as I always have some kind of new toy or something to give them. It's so much fun to spend time with them. I do try to make sure that when we're together that Mom and Dad get a chance to go off by themselves for awhile and I do adhere to the rules that they have set for the children, so there is consistency. -Jean, Grandma to three

It is important to listen. When the parents are stressed coping with work, the house, each other and the demands of the children, they need to be able to vent without feeling judged. I try very hard not to give advice except if asked directly, and sometimes that is not easy to do. They have very different situations to cope with than I did when raising my children and I often wonder how they do it all. They know I will be there to help out when school is closed, someone is ill or one parent is out of town on business. I try to make myself available to babysit also when they just need a special Mommy and Daddy night out. They need time to take care of themselves and their relationship, also. Helping their parents stay happy and healthy is a very important gift to the grandchildren. -Marilyn, Grandma to six

With my oldest daughter, I watch the children so that she and her husband can both work. Daycare expenses would take most of what they earn, and they would not be learning our family's values. I have the luxury of seeing my beautiful grandchildren at least five days a week! I am so lucky to be able to hear a first word and watch a first step and be a part of how they see the world! -Laurie, Nanny Noodles to four