What all Grandparents need.

Grandparents, of course, need Grandchildren who are pleasant to have around; otherwise the rest of this can be ignored.

Grandparents needs to be patient and generous, not only with money, but with time. They need to be amusing, encouraging, and, probably most importantly, flattering.

They need wisdom and fine pedagogical skills. They need to allow freedom as well as instill discipline.

All Grandchildren need to feel important, and this is an essential job for Grandparents; their actual parents often don't have the time; or simply forget.

A Grandfather needs to be bold, courageous, and dashing; he must never show fear. A Grandmother should be slightly rounded, warm, and cuddly; someone you run to when things aren't going too well.

HE should show his Grandchildren how to sharpen a stick, release a fish from a hook, and shoot a can off a fence. SHE should teach them all about weights and measures, as they watch how to bake cakes, mince pies, and biscuits.

A Grandfather should spell danger; a Grandmother at the ready with plasters and Dettol.

Both should be prepared to send the little darlings home when tiredness sets in (after about an hour).

That's it; in a nutshell. Simple!