Mothers and Fathers have special days in May and June, but not many people know that the Sunday after Labor Day is dedicated to honoring grandparents. In 1978, President Jimmy Carter signed a proclamation to recognize the first National Grandparents Day.

This year, NPR wanted to recognize the wisdom, perspective and fundamental civic values that grandparents provide by going to the source. The Up First newsletter team asked grandparents what it was like to enter this new phase in their lives, and to share some pointers to new or expecting grandparents. We received over 100 responses. Here's some of their best advice.

Responses have been edited for length and clarity.

Don't interfere

Pam Parris of Orlando, Fla., says becoming a grandma turned her world "upside down" in the "most p

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