To mom:
It's hard to think of them as children because they're all grown-up adults now, but we have four of them. Two boys: Patrick who lives in London and Michael who lives in Belfast. Plus his two girls, Kate, who lives at home, and Ella, who is studying in Liverpool.
What other baby names were on your shortlist?
Your name is your life handle. John and I felt it was very important to try to provide appropriate accommodations for each child. The names of the children were determined mainly by connections with relatives in the family, with the exception of my youngest daughter, who had an original name.
Ella was named after Ella Fitzgerald, who I had listened to while giving birth. Her music has helped me so much that it felt right to name the baby after her.
As for other names, I called Kate “James Joseph” for the first 30 minutes of her life. She was sure it was a boy, especially since I already had two boys.
My oldest son, Patrick, was always going to be called Patrick, but poor Michael, it took John and I five weeks to finally decide on the name Michael. This was the perfect name for him as it was named after his grandpa Michael.
Deirdre Grant
What surprised you most about becoming a parent?
The unconditional love and bond you feel for each of your children is so strong that you would give up your life to protect them and keep them safe at all times.
What is the worst parenting advice you have ever received?
Oh, this question makes me chuckle. Because when Kate was born, John and I were told she had Down syndrome. [The advice] “Children like this are only given to special people,'' one woman told me. I know she meant well, but believe me, John and I are nothing special, just parents trying their best.
What do you enjoy most about being a parent?
The best thing about being a parent is watching your children grow, develop, and reach their full potential to become these beautiful and unique individuals. The sense of pride you feel for each of your children is amazing, knowing that we have a responsibility to this wonderful human being.
If you could go back to before you became a parent, is there anything you would tell yourself or advice you would share?
You won't receive a personalized manual for each newborn telling you what works and what doesn't. Every child is so different and unique. It's a game of trial and error. What works for one child does not necessarily mean it will work for another child. As a parent, you do your best and do your best.
Tips for raising children…
Time is the most precious thing to us. Spend quality time with your child. Take time to listen to your children. Technology has developed very quickly in this world. Even if it's just sitting around the table together for a good old fashioned meal and sharing how your day went, this time is precious.
For you, your children…
Let's be respectful to each other. Learning this begins at home from early childhood. It is equally important to learn to respect yourself.
Deirdre and Kate Grant
As a parent, you are also guilty…
As a parent, the word guilt is inseparable. When I'm working, I feel guilty for not being with them.I feel guilty when I'm with them [wondering whether or not] I'm doing right by them. The feeling of guilt lingers from the first time you see your child until the end.
What are you proud of about your child?
What John and I are so proud of is witnessing how our children blossom, grow, reach their fullest potential, and become wonderful, unique individuals.
What activities do you do with your kids?
We love outdoor activities and spending time in nature. One of our favorite activities is to take our three dogs for long walks in the countryside and notice the nature around us.
We appreciate good food and enjoy going out to dinner.
Each of us has a competitive edge. I have a creative flair and it's always interesting when I play board games. Then, in the middle of the game, someone convincingly changes the rules.
What have your children done or said recently that made you laugh?
Oh, we really laughed out loud when we read this question. Because one of my grown children's girlfriends (I won't say which one) recently said to me, The world of work. ”
what? I've always worked. When they were younger, I also went out and worked. However, after my youngest child arrived, I started working from home and continue to do so. They may not think it's work because I work independently.
