I can already hear you thinking about how wonderful it would be if Grandma moved in next door. Free babysitting? Yes, please! A little extra time for yourself? Absolutely! Maybe even room for another little one. What a dream, right? Well, hold your horses.
Let’s take a moment to consider reality. The moment Grandma arrives, all those carefully constructed rules you’ve set up seem to vanish into thin air. Remember what happens when your kids enjoy a sugar high infused with toys? Yes, Grandma’s visits might be exciting, but brace yourself for what a daily Grandma presence would really mean.
Healthy Breakfasts? What’s That?
Balanced meals, energy for the day—all of those things we learned as kids go out the window when Grandma is around. I vividly recall the time my mom served the boys an entire package of bacon for breakfast. Why? “Because that’s all they wanted,” she said. And what about the sugar-filled sodas with chocolate syrup and sprinkles? Is that on the menu too? Just don’t answer that.
Gum, Gum, and More Gum
You’d finally discover if gum truly rots teeth. Grandma’s purse seems to be a bottomless pit of gum. Every time I turn around, one of the kids has a cheek full of it, looking like little squirrels enjoying their spearmint fix. Waiting in line at Target? Time for gum! Just finished breakfast? Here’s some gum to wash down that bacon! The supply is endless.
Dessert Before Dinner
And forget about making your kids finish dinner for dessert. “Oh, he had a big lunch, and it’s a special occasion! Can’t he have the chocolate molten cake topped with whipped cream and peanut butter sauce?” Grandma would say, with a wink. Meanwhile, I know they usually devour the baked chicken and corn I offered. When did she start carrying so much gum anyway?
Lessons About Sugar? Out the Window!
All those lessons about sugar? Out the window! Remember begging for that candy bar at the grocery store? The answer was a resounding “No!” You’d hear all about the evils of sugar and treats before dinner—if she was in a good mood. But with Grandma? A Double Big Gulp Cherry Coke for a 9-year-old? Absolutely! A king-size Snickers? Why not! She’s not the one who has to deal with the aftermath; that’s our job now.
Bedtimes? Forget It!
Bedtimes? Forget it. “It’s a special treat! I wouldn’t want to miss a moment with them—they’re only young once!” [Insert guilt-laden smile here.] You’re right, Mom. Sleep is overrated, right? Manic kids at breakfast are just what we need for excitement.
The Toy Avalanche
And the toys! Oh, the toys! Had a rough day at summer camp? Let’s get a toy! Mom said no ice cream? Off to the toy department! Batteries dead in their toys? Here’s a lifetime supply! Thanks, Mom! You’ve gone full Oprah on us. You get toys! And you get toys! Everyone gets toys!
Endless Repetition
Then there’s the endless repetition of familiar stories and songs. You know the ones—the ones your kids can’t get enough of, to the point that you feel like your head might explode. But Grandma? She eats it up. She can’t get enough of it, and that can drive anyone nuts.
Being Schooled by Your Own Mom
Your kids will witness you being schooled by your own mom. Sometimes, they forget that Grandma is also their mom. “Are you really going to eat that? Are you sure you want to wear that shirt?” she’ll ask. Don’t be angry at him. When you were his age, you did much worse! Followed by a story from your past that you thought they’d never hear. It’s a reminder that we never stop being a parent.
Truthfully, I cherish my mother’s visits, and while I may allow her to bend the rules a little at first, by the end of her visit, I’m convinced the kids have turned into little wildlings, ready to tear my face off if I don’t get them the latest Lego set.
I let her spoil them because I know my day will come. I’m not weak; it’s just that my mother still has a way of getting me to do things with a glance! Someday, I’ll have grandkids of my own to spoil. Just imagine the look on my boys’ faces when I hand their little ones three sticks of gum, a smartphone, and a massive Lego set right before we dig into a feast of bacon, ice cream, and soda. That’s what I call payback, boys!
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Summary
Grandma’s frequent visits can turn the household upside down, bringing chaos with sugar, toys, and rule-bending. While it may seem like a dream to have her around for free babysitting, the reality involves late nights, sugar highs, and endless spoiling. Still, the love and memories made during these visits are priceless, even if they come with a side of madness.