7 Surprising Truths About Becoming a Grandparent

When I thought about becoming a grandmother, I imagined it would come naturally—like how we all learned to ride a bike or bake cookies as kids. I figured that once the first grandbaby arrived, there would be sparkles in the air and wisdom flooding into my brain. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t quite work that way. After a good eight years and four grandkids, I’ve discovered that there’s a whole other side to being a grandparent:

1. Favorites Exist, No Matter What

You might be told not to have favorites, but let’s be real—favorites are a thing. My heart may flutter differently for each grandchild, depending on the moment. Sometimes, simply being the one without a runny nose is enough to steal the spotlight.

2. Instant Grandparent Expectations Are Unrealistic

It’s a bit of a shocker when you realize your kids expect you to magically know how to be the perfect grandparent when they bring their little ones over. Just because we’ve mastered the art of adulting doesn’t mean we’ve forgotten how to yell when we stub a toe. Brace yourself for lectures on being a good influence while you try not to let your vocabulary slip back into the old habits.

3. Board Games Will Test Your Patience

You’ll find yourself knee-deep in board games with the grandkids, but let’s be honest: Candy Land can quickly turn into a dark comedy in your head. When you’re three rounds in and wishing for a dramatic ending for some of those characters, you’ll realize you’re not exactly having the time of your life.

4. You Might Feel More Like a Parent Than a Grandparent

When your kids come over, don’t be surprised if they hand off their parenting duties before even taking off their shoes. Suddenly, you’re the one fetching juice and changing diapers while they settle in for whatever show is trending. It’s a little déjà vu moment that might remind you of the good ol’ days with your own parents.

5. Toddlers Will Drain Your Energy

By the time you become a grandparent, your stamina for toddlers has likely diminished. Kids are exhausting, and chasing after them can leave you feeling like you’ve run a marathon.

6. Baking with the Kids Is a Messy Adventure

You may have envisioned making pancakes from scratch and whipping up cookies together, but let’s be real: those frozen waffles start looking pretty tempting. Pint-sized helpers can turn your kitchen into a flour-filled battlefield.

7. Prepare for Some Gross Moments

Kids do some seriously gross things like sneezing right in your face or touching you with hands that have been who-knows-where. And when they pile into your bed for movie time, you’ll be searching for a hazmat suit by the end of it.

Despite all these truths, the joy of grandparenting shines through. You’ll still play Candy Land because that sweet little voice calling you “Gramma” melts your heart every single time. Some mornings, you’ll break out the eggs and let those tiny hands help, creating a delightful mess that will become cherished memories. And yes, even when you’re exhausted, it’ll be a happy kind of tired.

You’ll find yourself proudly sharing photos of your grandkids with anyone who’ll listen, and you won’t care if they pretend to be interested. You’ll even feel a little smug knowing your grandkids are the cutest around. And when your kids take a break and you get to step back into a more youthful role, it’ll be a sweet reminder of the bond you share.

In the end, becoming a grandparent doesn’t change who you are, but it does add a vibrant new layer to your life. To learn more about family building options, check out this excellent resource from Resolve.

Summary

Grandparenting comes with its own set of unexpected challenges and delights. While you may not acquire instant skills or avoid feeling tired, the joy of connecting with your grandkids makes it all worthwhile. Expect to juggle responsibilities, navigate the chaos, and cherish every moment, even the messy ones.