What Life Would Be Like If Grandma Came Over All the Time

So, you might think that if your mom moved in, you’d get the ultimate free babysitter. Imagine all those nights off, maybe even enough “alone time” to consider adding another kid to the mix. Sounds amazing, right? Well, hold that thought.

Let’s be real. The moment Grandma arrives, all those rules you’ve so carefully set up? Yeah, they go right out the window. Remember how your kids turn into little tornadoes after a sugar rush? When your mom comes to visit, it’s time to buckle up and accept reality. What would life look like if Grandma’s visits were a daily thing?

Breakfast Chaos

Healthy breakfasts? Forget it. Balanced meals and nutritious starts to the day? Not on Grandma’s watch! I once caught her feeding the kids an entire pack of bacon for breakfast. Why? “Because that’s what they asked for!” Oh really? And they’re also asking for soda with a mountain of sugar and sprinkles. Should we just give them that too? Yikes, don’t answer that!

Gum Galore

You’d discover if gum truly rots teeth. Grandma’s purse is like a gum treasure chest! Every time I turn around, there’s a kid with a cheek stuffed full, looking like a squirrel on a sugar high. Apparently, for Grandma, it’s always gum time. Waiting for the bathroom at Target? Gum! Just finished breakfast? Here’s some minty goodness!

Dinner Dilemmas

Dinner? Forget about it! No more ‘eat your veggies to get dessert’ rule. “Aw, he had a big lunch! It’s a special day! Can’t he have that gooey chocolate dessert with whipped cream and sprinkles?” Meanwhile, she’s also handing out gum like it’s candy! Seriously, how much of that stuff does she carry?

Sugar Shenanigans

All that talk about sugar’s evils? Out the window! Remember begging for that candy bar in the checkout line? You got a firm “No!” back then, coupled with a lecture on sugar’s dangers. But with Grandma? “A Double Big Gulp Cherry Coke for my 9-year-old? Absolutely!” Because she’s not the one peeling sugar-crazed kids off the walls later—that’s your job now.

Bedtime? What’s That?

Bedtimes? What are those? “It’s a special treat! I don’t want to miss these moments; they’re only young once!” Yeah, Mom, who needs sleep, right? Because dealing with hyper kids at breakfast is just what we signed up for!

Toy Overload

And don’t get me started on toys. Tough day at camp? Time for a toy run! Mom said no ice cream? Let’s hit up the toy aisle instead! Oh, and did your toys run out of batteries? Here’s an endless supply! Thanks, Mom. You’ve turned into Oprah: “You get a toy! And you get a toy!”

Grandma’s Wisdom

Then there’s the endless repetition of that one song or story. You know the one—the one that makes you want to pull your hair out. But Grandma? She’s all in, loving every second of it.

Your kids will also witness you getting schooled by your own mom. Just when they think Grandma’s all sweet, she’ll throw down some wisdom. “Are you really going to wear that?” or “Don’t be hard on him; you were way worse!” Cue the stories from your past that you hoped they’d never hear. It’s a reminder that being a Mom doesn’t ever stop. Just wait until it’s your turn!

Honestly, I adore my mom’s visits, even if she bends the rules a little too much. The first day is fun, but by day seven, I’m convinced my kids have turned into little wild animals. And once Grandma leaves, they’ll be demanding all sorts of goodies, ready to chew my face off if I don’t comply.

I let her spoil them because deep down, I know my day will come. (It’s not because I’m weak—she just has this way of getting me to do what she wants, okay?) One day, I’ll be a Grandma too, and you bet I’ll be handing out gum, smartphones, and zillion-piece Lego sets, all while serving dinner that consists of bacon, ice cream, and Mountain Dew. That’s how you pay it forward, boys!

Summary

Having Grandma around all the time sounds like a dream until you realize the chaos that comes with it—sugar, no bedtimes, and a toy overload! While it can be overwhelming, there’s a certain joy and nostalgia in those visits. Plus, it’s all part of the parenting journey.