It’s quite possible that within the next decade, I’ll find myself stepping into the role of a grandmother. My eldest child, if all goes well, will have graduated from college and may be embarking on their own journey into adulthood, perhaps even starting a family of their own. As we all know, once the idea of starting a family takes root, it often leads to a delightful increase in little ones.
While it’s amusing to think that my son could potentially become a father right now, the reality is that I could very well become a surprised and loving grandma within nine months. (Here’s hoping, with a little spiritual backing, that he keeps his pants firmly zipped for the next ten years!) The mere thought of becoming a grandmother fills me with a mixture of excitement and anxiety for several reasons.
It’s been quite a while since I’ve had an infant or toddler in my life, and I often wonder if I still possess the necessary patience. When I’m out shopping and hear the cries or whines of young children, I find myself feeling more annoyed than nostalgic. Thoughts of “Been there, done that. Not again!” and “Better them than me!” flit through my mind as I stroll past, savoring my warm latte and the bliss of shopping without kids. As my own children grow more independent, I can’t help but question whether I have the energy or willingness to embrace the challenges of caring for a new baby, even if it’s my grandchild.
However, I recently had the opportunity to care for my sister’s 18-month-old daughter for a few days, and it opened my eyes. I was apprehensive about the long hours ahead. What would we do all day? My last experience with a toddler was filled with clock-watching until naptime. But to my surprise, it was a delightful experience. Here’s why I’m convinced I’ll be an amazing grandma someday:
- Housework? What Housework? I left the dishes piled in the sink and didn’t give it a second thought. The moment that little girl giggled and beamed at me while munching on Cheerios, everything else faded away. I realized that the mess didn’t matter — she was my focus. I even felt a twinge of regret for not appreciating the chaotic moments with my boys when they were younger.
- I Embraced Being a “Yes” Grandma. I found myself saying yes to so many things I would have previously avoided. Yes, you can play with the Tupperware. Yes, ice cream before lunch is fine. Yes, let’s try on every pair of shoes! I was less concerned about cleanliness and more focused on enjoying our time together. I’ve learned to prioritize the joy of the moment over the small stuff.
- I Took a Nap, and It Was Wonderful. When she napped, I allowed myself to rest instead of tackling chores. I lay down next to her and shut my eyes, letting go of the pressure to be productive. When I woke up, I felt rejuvenated rather than guilty for not completing my to-do list. I realized the world would keep turning, and everything would still be there when I woke up.
- The Days Flew By. I was astonished at how quickly our time together passed. We sang, laughed, and even took selfies. I played with toys on the floor longer than I’d ever thought possible. Was it simply a different mindset that allowed me to enjoy our days? Perhaps it was because I was getting the best of her, just as I’ve heard my mother say about my kids when they’re with her. It’s fascinating how different they can be with their grandparents compared to their parents, and I believe it’s because their grandparents cherish the fleeting moments of childhood.
Though I’m not quite in the grandparenting mindset yet, I feel confident I will get there. When it was time for my niece to return home, I felt fulfilled, having offered my best self to a toddler instead of feeling overwhelmed by responsibilities. The years spent raising my boys have prepared me for this next chapter. You might wonder why there aren’t many books on grandparenting; it’s because once you reach that stage, you instinctively know how to be the best version of yourself. And I can’t wait to embrace that.
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Summary:
This article explores the author’s reflections on becoming a grandmother and the joys and challenges that accompany it. Through a recent experience caring for her niece’s toddler, she discovers newfound patience, joy, and a relaxed approach to childcare, leading her to believe she will be a fantastic grandma. The author emphasizes the importance of cherishing the moments with grandchildren and learning from her past parenting experiences.