11 Things Grandmas Wish You Knew

home insemination Kit

I’ve done it! I’ve made it through another whirlwind day with the grandkids. Sure, I’ll be picking Play-Doh off the carpet and searching for glitter in my hair for a week, but at least they went home happy. Now, I have two weeks to recover before babysitting duty calls again. I may look like a frazzled wreck, but honestly? I loved every chaotic moment—well, almost every moment.

So, before you send the kids over, here are a few things I think might help us all enjoy our time together a bit more:

1. Back in my day (when everything was in black and white), I could happily play with a cardboard box and a teddy bear for hours. Your little ones, however, seem to be on a constant quest for a “device”—smartphones or tablets. The only tablets in my house are kept safely in the medicine cabinet, so a cardboard box will have to do!
2. I totally get it—organic and homemade meals for child number one. But trust me, by child two and three, it’s all about fish sticks and French fries. And guess what? They’ll be just fine.
3. When the grandkids visit, I need at least a week to recover. If I seem hesitant to babysit, it’s not because I don’t want to see them; I’m just more tired than I used to be!
4. I’ll promise to read your long list of rules for babysitting, but I might just go with my gut instead. Sorry in advance! You probably won’t even notice the difference.
5. Don’t be shocked if you don’t see us for three years when your little darlings hit their teenage years.
6. My grandparenting strategy? Treat them like the family dog: a daily adventure, some rewards for good behavior, and the occasional cozy cuddle on the couch.
7. Here’s a revelation: I don’t sit around all day waiting to babysit! My schedule is packed with clubs, hobbies, and lunch outings. If I hesitate to say yes, it’s just because I have to check my calendar.
8. You don’t need to remind me to avoid giving them chocolate chip cookies, marshmallows, and jelly beans for dinner. I raised three kids myself and know all too well the sugar rush that follows!
9. Please don’t use abbreviations like LOL in conversations or texts. To me, it’s like a foreign language! And for goodness sake, let’s keep punctuation in the mix, alright?
10. Spoiling my grandkids is part of the job description, and I think I excel at it. You can’t spoil a child with love, so I’ll shower them with hugs, kisses, and maybe a toy or two.
11. And just so you know, I’m definitely better than their other grandma. It’s a fact!

I have plenty of great advice to share, but I try not to come off as that know-it-all grandma. Just know that you’re an amazing mom. Trust your instincts, love your little ones, and maybe leave the Play-Doh and glitter at home for our next playdate.

For further insights, check out this post on home insemination kits or listen to this excellent podcast on IVF and fertility preservation. And if you’re interested in understanding more about parenting and family dynamics, you can also read about it here!

Summary:

Grandmas have unique experiences and insights that can enhance the relationship with their grandkids. They appreciate the joys and challenges of babysitting, often having their own methods and wisdom that might differ from modern parenting styles. It’s a blend of love, humor, and understanding that makes the grandparent-grandchild relationship special.