“When a grandparent cares for their grandchild, it’s not just babysitting.” That’s something my mother reminds me every time she steps in to watch my kids—whether it’s one, two, or all three of them.
She recently retired after a remarkable career in education, choosing to do so partly to spend more time with family. After all, she’s earned a break after dedicating her life to nurturing young minds and hearts. Now that she’s retired, she’s eager to support me and my family however she can—even on the most chaotic of days.
With every cry, plea, or subtle nudge for help, she eagerly jumps at the chance to engage with her beloved grandchildren, bringing along her trademark warmth and even some homemade brownies. For her, this is a joy, not a chore. She relishes every moment spent chatting, playing games, cooking, feeding, bathing, and watching movies with her delightful—if sometimes mischievous—grandkids.
The bond my children share with their grandmother is so strong that when they visit her, they often resist going home, vehemently expressing their desire to stay with her instead of returning to me.
While there are countless articles acknowledging the invaluable role grandparents play in supporting their children as caregivers, my message goes beyond mere gratitude. It’s a reminder to mothers like myself to shed any guilt associated with asking for help from their own mothers.
Who better to lean on than the woman who raised you? Who understands the demands of parenting better than someone who has been there themselves?
There truly is no one quite like a mother-turned-grandparent, someone who genuinely believes that caring for grandchildren is not babysitting—it’s simply her doing what she does best: nurturing. Even if her approach looks a bit different now that I’m a parent myself.
In summary, grandparents play a unique and cherished role in family life, offering love and support that transcends the traditional notion of babysitting. They are invaluable partners in the parenting journey, providing not just assistance but also a wealth of experience and affection.