Boning up on grandaddy basics

DEAR AMY: I am looking for some good advice. My wife and I are retiring soon and are moving close to our grandchildren. I thoroughly enjoyed raising our son, but it has been a few years since I was around young children. What I am looking for is your recommendations on how to be the very best grandparent. Also, do you know of any good books on the subject? I have a great relationship with our son and daughter-in-law and want to keep it that way. Our grandchildren are twin 21/2-year-old girls. I'm really looking forward to being close to our grandchildren and watching them grow up.Wayne P.

DEAR WAYNE: I love your charming query. As the grandfather to toddler girls, you should learn to enjoy tea parties, T-ball, stuffed-animal safaris and "Dora the Explorer." Little girls love to direct the action, and a wise granddad offers his large paw to hold, then goes with the flow.

Establish simple rituals they enjoy. You want the girls to be able to say, "My granddaddy always helps me make my favorite sandwich" or "takes me to the park (or playground/ library/science center)." Read aloud and enjoy books together. Be ready to leaf through "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" for the umpteenth time.

When the girls are older, make sure to tell stories about your life and about their father's childhood. They will be fascinated that you knew their daddy when he was a little boy. Show them family pictures.

This will help them create the narrative of their own lives within your family.

A book that hits the right notes on this subject is "Grandpa Rules: Notes on Grandfatherhood, the World's Best Job" by Michael Milligan (Skyhorse Publishing, 2008).

Mainly, relax and let grandfatherhood happen. I can't think of any greater joy than to give and receive the multitude of benefits of the bond between you.