If you’ve been a grandparent for quite a while now, you know by now that the role is ever evolving as the children grow. This is true for the parents of your grandkids because they too are constantly growing and learning as parents, wearing the hats that so many of us shared as parents years ago.

But, how can one be great at being a grandparent? Are there really rules to follow? Our answer is, yes, definitely! So, if you are one of the few who want to know what those rules are, scroll down below. We listed our top 3 rules because we guarantee at some point or time the manual for grandparenting is long in the circular file somewhere unreachable!

Here are our top 3 rules to share, in no particular order:

#1 Pay attention to the parents’ rules. 
Yes, you have to accept and respect the parents’ rules, since it’s their child, their home and their life. They know what’s best for their kids. You had your chance to be the parents, now it’s their turn!

#2 Remember that you’re the grandparent, and not the parent. 
You must definitely earn the parents’ trust. The responsibility feels even greater than when you were a parent, because before, when driving your kids from place to place, you did not think twice about it. But now, you are not dealing with your own kids. They’re your children’s children, and that’s a bigger and more intense responsibility.

 #3 It’s not necessary to buy love.

Okay, this is a hard one. We like to do, and go, and buy. However, we can never buy quality time. And that’s why we need to seize every moment and just be present. Reading a book, playing a game together, singing your favorite songs — these are all memories that money can’t buy. It is best not to create the association that you always have gifts for them. This is definitely not a good example any child will benefit from.

Visit Grandparents Link to get seven more important Grandparenting Rules.