When a new baby comes along into the family, everyone gets understandably excited. Siblings become aunts and uncles, parents become grandmothers and grandfathers. It’s a big change in the family dynamic and it’s a wonderful feeling to watch the generations continue to unfold. But sometimes in all the excitement, it’s easy to lose focus of who should actually be at the center: the baby’s parents. Even though a new family member means something to the extended crew, especially grandparents, the parents are ultimately the only ones responsible for that baby. They get to make all the parenting decisions. 

Sometimes, though, wires get crossed about who is allowed to do what regarding the baby. What kind of special rights and privileges do the grandparents get? When are they allowed to visit? At what age will they be entrusted to babysit? How much will the parents allow their baby’s image to be on social media, shown to friends, etc.?