Being a first-time grandmother may be extremely fulfilling and enjoyable as you experience the thrill of first steps, words, and birthdays. Of course, being a new grandmother comes with its own set of obstacles, from deciding how much time to spend together to knowing when to share parenting pearls of wisdom.

Make the most of the moments you’ve witnessed, whether you’re preparing for your first grin or your first steps. Celebrate each milestone (large or small) and keep track of your accomplishments for posterity. Always carry a camera or a diary… Also, if a special event occurs without your parents’ presence, phone them.

Make sure you’re prepared for those essential Skype calls if you’re a long-distance grandmother. And, if you are denied or estranged from your grandchild for any reason, take efforts to clarify your rights as a grandparent and strive to keep all lines of communication open (if feasible) to demonstrate that you are always available.