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This two-word bit of advice is a reminder that we walk around on eggshells when it comes to doling out advice to our grown children. Writing in Grand Magazine, Karen L. Rancourt zeroes in on grandparents and the urge to let our grown children (who are now parents themselves) know that there's a better, best or our way of caring for a baby, toddler or even a teen. After all, we've been there, done that. Why not share the benefits of our vast experience?

Not so fast. Rancourt lets us know that such counsel is not a positive path forward. Her advice, no matter the parenting issue at hand, is succinct and easy to remember: "Zip It."

Here's her fuller explanation

Why should you zip it? Because, as a grandparent, you are not in the driver’s seat anymore. You are a passenger ‘riding along’ at the pleasure of the parents. When you were raising your own children, you made the rules. Now your job is to enforce the rules set down by your grown children regarding your grandchildren, whether you agree with them or not. To use a common idiom, ‘There’s a new sheriff in town,’ and it isn’t you.

painting: Femme au café, Picasso