These can be the most rewarding and exciting words you can hear from your child but sometimes these words can come as a surprise.
The best thing you can do is support your child.
If the news is an unexpected surprise, your child is probably a little worried about your reaction and will really need your reassurance now.
Even if it's an anxiously awaited announcement, your child will probably be a little scared about their new responsibilities.
It is pretty scary suddenly finding you are about to be a parent for the first time.
Remember your own concerns.
They turned out to be mostly unfounded but it is normal to be a little worried.
Your child and their partner will need a lot of quiet support and maybe the occasional piece of advice.
The first thing to do, after you have congratulated them of course, is to find out if they want you to tell anyone.
Some couples like to wait until the mother is starting to show before they announce the happy event.
Some just want immediate family to know.
Some couples would be insulted if you didn't announce it to the world.
Find out what they want and please abide by their wishes.
They will be upset if you don't and now is not the time to cause friction in the family.
Be happy for the expectant couple and don't worry yourself or them with talk of finances, buying a house or anything like that.
They are adults and have to work it out for themselves.
The best thing you can do for them is to let them know you are there if they need you.
If they come to you for advice, tell them what you would do and let them know you won't be offended if they choose another path.
You might want to find out if they want gifts.
Some new parents are happy to receive clothes, toys and furniture, while some prefer to buy their own.
If you wish to make large purchases like furniture, it might be a good idea to find out if they have a particular decorating plan.
Some young parents accept gifts to be polite but would prefer another style or colour while some will tell you straight out they want a different style.
To save embarrassment or offence it is safer to ask.
A gift registry is a good solution for some.
The most important thing is to enjoy yourself.
It's not every day you get to be a grandparent for the first time.
By the way, do you want to be Granny, Grandma or Nanna?
The best thing you can do is support your child.
If the news is an unexpected surprise, your child is probably a little worried about your reaction and will really need your reassurance now.
Even if it's an anxiously awaited announcement, your child will probably be a little scared about their new responsibilities.
It is pretty scary suddenly finding you are about to be a parent for the first time.
Remember your own concerns.
They turned out to be mostly unfounded but it is normal to be a little worried.
Your child and their partner will need a lot of quiet support and maybe the occasional piece of advice.
The first thing to do, after you have congratulated them of course, is to find out if they want you to tell anyone.
Some couples like to wait until the mother is starting to show before they announce the happy event.
Some just want immediate family to know.
Some couples would be insulted if you didn't announce it to the world.
Find out what they want and please abide by their wishes.
They will be upset if you don't and now is not the time to cause friction in the family.
Be happy for the expectant couple and don't worry yourself or them with talk of finances, buying a house or anything like that.
They are adults and have to work it out for themselves.
The best thing you can do for them is to let them know you are there if they need you.
If they come to you for advice, tell them what you would do and let them know you won't be offended if they choose another path.
You might want to find out if they want gifts.
Some new parents are happy to receive clothes, toys and furniture, while some prefer to buy their own.
If you wish to make large purchases like furniture, it might be a good idea to find out if they have a particular decorating plan.
Some young parents accept gifts to be polite but would prefer another style or colour while some will tell you straight out they want a different style.
To save embarrassment or offence it is safer to ask.
A gift registry is a good solution for some.
The most important thing is to enjoy yourself.
It's not every day you get to be a grandparent for the first time.
By the way, do you want to be Granny, Grandma or Nanna?
Source...