I'm a grandfather to a 10-year-old, and we have a close, fun and easy relationship. I think I'm one of her favourite humans. She certainly's one of mine.
I've noticed that, compared to raising 10-year-olds the first time round, I'm much calmer now.
It's not because I only see her one night a week, or that I've changed my views on parenting.
It's that years of raising kids taught me things. The tiredness, the mistakes, the tantrums, theirs and mine. The stormy seas made me a better sailor.
This time, those lessons sit right at the front of my mind.
"She'll get over it." "How do I get her asking her own questions?" "If ballet's not her thing, we'll find something else."
If I hadn't been through those harder years, I wouldn't have these skills now. So thank goodness for the storms!
Let's rethink our relationship with hard times. They're not easy, but they're worth gold, if we choose to see them that way.
What rough seas are you grateful for, looking back?
Still in one now? Hang on and ride it out. You're becoming more skilful by the day.
SUBSCRIBE TO WISDOMETTES