The Joys of Being a Grandparent

December 16, 2012

Grandbabies, are they the best or what? I just had a new grandson born today, and I can’t wait to get off of work to go and visit this new little creature that weighed over 8 lbs. and was over 20 inches long. I am so happy for mom, dad, and baby. All went well.

It is such a neat thing to be a grandparent. In many ways, it is so much more fun than being a parent. You don’t have to worry about the things that you worried about as a young parent. You don’t have to worry about bedtime, pacifiers vs. thumb sucking, nursing vs. bottle, potty training, or the dreaded terrible twos!

I have noticed that I can bring candy every time I visit, and when mom and dad aren’t paying attention, I can slip the grandchild a piece before dinner. Yes! Victory! I also have noticed that I can let them play with whatever, and I can spend the time playing with them and not doing the dishes, switching a load of laundry, and sweeping the kitchen floor for the fifth time of day. I can stay on the floor for hours and build with blocks, rocks, and coasters, or anything else that might be lying around the room.

Being a grandparent does come with responsibility though. When you have them alone in your possession, you need to have more than two eyes at all times. I’ve had a little one escape from my attention a time or two; it scared me to death. You have to watch them constantly. When my kids were young, I didn’t have to worry about distractions like cell phones, returning emails, and posting blogs. When I have my grandkids, I do NOT touch my cell phone. I usually turn it on silent and keep my attention towards them, especially if we are out and about.

There are a couple of books that I have thumbed through and found very helpful as I branch out into this next phase in my life. If you are a grandparent, hopefully you will check out these titles, because being a grandparent is so rewarding. There’s always so much to learn and so much fun to be had. Enjoy!

Connect with Your Grandkids: Fun Ways to Bridge the Miles by Cheri Fuller
Grandloving: Making Memories with Your Grandchildren by Sue Johnson

Beth F.
Boardwalk Branch