Becoming a grandparent is one of life's finest rites of passage.
There's something very special about seeing your baby having a baby of his or her own.
Not only does this bring a new dimension to your relationships with your children but it also brings the pitter patter of little feet back into your life - often after a hiatus of several decades.
Especially with their first grandchild, this leaves many grandparents confused about their position in the new baby's life.
As a grandparent one of your most important duties is providing parental wisdom to the baby's parents.
No matter how many books new parents read they're still clueless when the new baby arrives.
When your grandchild gets sick for the first time chances are his parents will be terrified.
This experience lands many first-time parents in the emergency room, often for very minor illnesses that can be easily treated.
Being a grandparent means sharing the knowledge you learned through your years of parenting experience.
Your first-hand expertise about the ins and outs of infant care will be greatly appreciated when books and other resources fall short.
In addition to being inexperienced, many parents are unfortunately ill-equipped to handle a baby.
There are many reasons why this might happen - from demanding jobs to unhealthy habits and everything in between.
In many cases new parents simply don't know any better.
If your child needs parenting help beyond advice it's your job as a grandparent to provide for your grandchild's needs.
From mentally stimulating toys to comfort, food and shelter grandparents are there to provide what parents can't.
Speaking of providing for your grandchildren, one of the classic benefits of becoming a grandparent is spoiling your grand kids rotten! While most of the spoiling goes on as the baby grows into a child and young adult you can still give some goodies to your grandchild as an infant.
You might want to start a tradition of paying for your grandchild's outfits for holidays and special occasions or offer high-end baby food and gifts.
One way to spoil your grandchild at any age is to make investments on their behalf - from stocks and bonds to financial trusts.
By starting with these investments while your grandchild is a baby you'll be helping them build a lifetime of financial stability and access to the best possible opportunities.
Being a grandparent is a blessing but it is also a responsibility and needs to be approached with tolerance and understanding, with devotion and maturity.
As your new title suggests - be Grand!