Boy-yant, Boy-sterous…Boys will be boys. Boy oh boy! Today I am talking, not about parenting boys (although I have) or teaching boys (ditto), but grandparenting boys. The role is vastly different. Parents need to discipline. Grandparents need to have fun. The first do the hard jobs like homework and doctor visits. Grandparents are expected to spoil their grandchillars, to break a few rules and return to their own childhoods with naughty glee. Break a few rules, yes. But never undermine the parents.

Exactly five years ago, I was blessed with three delightful grandsons. And yes, they are everything that boys can and should be. For me, the first and foremost is to bring up good human beings, whether you’re bringing up girls or boys. And initially, I told myself that gender didn’t matter. As a modern, liberal woman, I was not going to differentiate.

However, as the babies became toddlers, I realised that there were differences. Firstly, the physicality. Boys can be physical in every way. They move non-stop, they grab,........

© Indian Express