Sorry, Prince Charles, but mother really does know best

Grandparents can be a little bit competitive about who gets to share more time with their grandchildren themselves or the ‘other side’.

So I wasn’t surprised to learn there are rumours Prince Charles is miffed Kate’s parents, Michael and Carole Middleton, see more of Prince George than he does.

I know it’s tough, Charles but the bottom line is your daughter-in-law may love you and respect you, but when it comes to advice and guidance on George’s teething troubles or sleepless nights, she’ll turn to her mum first. It’s human nature.

First-time mothers are insecure creatures and the one person they rely on for practical support is the woman who gave birth to them.

Carole appears to be the power-house of the Middleton family. She runs it as efficiently as her successful party business and is always on hand to guide, protect and further the interests of her three children.

Kate lives not too far from her mum and, right from the start, the Middletons have played a major role in baby George’s life.

While Prince William was doing his Royal duties in China last week, Carole was around to play with George, reading him stories and letting Kate, now in the last stages of her second pregnancy, take an afternoon nap.

Rather nice and ordinary for both of them.

It’s only when a woman has a baby that she realises how much she depends on her own mum.

She’s the person she can phone when colic and sleepless nights have left her feeling frazzled, and the maternal granny will arrive like Mary Poppins to take charge.

I loved my mother-in-law very much and she had lots of practical experience to give having had eight children of her own, but it was my mum I turned to when my own babies were young.

It’s important though for new parents to understand that both sets of grandparents love these children and want to share quality time with them.

If they live close by, visits should be encouraged. Walks in the park, little outings, sharing feeding, bathing and bedtime stories help to build the bond in the early days.

Birthdays and Christmas are times for all the family to be together whenever possible.

It’s sometimes difficult for practical reasons, but wise parents do their best to share their children with both sets of grandparents.

We have different gifts to offer. Not just toys and prezzies, but time, patience, life lessons, stories, jokes and experiences.

It’s not a competitive game of “Who is the favourite granny or grandpa”. It’s about understanding families are stronger when they work together.

Bringing up children and grandchildren is a team effort. And everyone has a unique part to play.