Parenting Insights
In the next decade, it’s quite likely I will embrace the role of a grandparent. My eldest child, with any luck, will have graduated from college and begun navigating adulthood. And we all know what often follows that milestone—thoughts of starting a family.
Biologically, my youngest could theoretically become a father at any moment, which means that I could be welcoming a tiny grandchild into my life quite soon. (At this juncture, I’ll pause and send a little prayer to the universe that my son remains focused on his studies and not on starting a family just yet.) The idea of becoming a grandparent, either soon or within the next ten years, fills me with a mixture of excitement and apprehension for various reasons.
It’s been a while since I’ve had a little one in my life, and I often question whether I still possess the patience required for infants and toddlers. When I’m out and hear the cries of young children, I sometimes find myself feeling more irritation than nostalgia. Thoughts like, “I’ve done my time,” and “Thank goodness that’s not me anymore,” flit through my mind as I enjoy my quiet moments—like sipping a latte while shopping in peace. As my own children grow more independent, I wonder if I could really dive back into the demands of caring for an infant. But maybe the experience will be different when the child isn’t mine. Perhaps, as many grandparents say, I will simply get to enjoy the perks.
Recently, I had the opportunity to look after my sister’s 18-month-old daughter for a few days. The thought of long hours with a toddler initially made me anxious. What would we do all day? My last experience with a child at home for an extended period was filled with countdowns to nap time. But this time was entirely different.
Here’s why I’m confident I’ll be a fantastic grandparent:
- Prioritizing Joy Over Chores: During my time babysitting, I let go of household responsibilities. The dishes and laundry didn’t matter. As soon as that little girl smiled and laughed while munching on Cheerios, my focus shifted entirely. I felt liberated from the societal pressures that often dictated my worth as a mother. I even found myself wishing I could return to my own children’s toddler years, free from the worry of household appearances.
- Embracing the “Yes” Mentality: I became a “yes” mom—well, not to everything, but certainly to more than I would have a decade ago. Yes, you can explore the Tupperware drawer! Yes, you can have ice cream before lunch! Yes, let’s try on every shoe in the house! I realized that these small moments of joy far outweigh the minor inconveniences. I’ve gained perspective on what truly matters.
- Resting When Needed: When the toddler napped, I took a break too. Rather than racing around with a never-ending to-do list, I lay down next to her and closed my eyes. I discovered that allowing myself to rest didn’t mean I was falling behind; it actually recharged me. The world continued to spin without my constant oversight.
- Cherishing the Time Together: The days flew by, and I was pleasantly surprised by how relaxed I felt. We sang, laughed, and played together. The simplicity of enjoying our time without the pressure of responsibilities made a world of difference. Perhaps my positive attitude stemmed from understanding how fleeting childhood is, or maybe it was just the joy of spending quality time with her.
I’m not yet in the mindset of being a grandparent, but I can see it on the horizon. When my niece returned for her mother, I felt tired but fulfilled. I had contributed positively to her upbringing while also feeling a renewed sense of purpose. This experience reaffirmed that the years spent raising my own children prepared me well for this new chapter of life.
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Summary:
The prospect of becoming a grandparent excites me, and through a recent experience with my niece, I’ve realized that my approach to parenting has transformed. I’m ready to embrace this new role with joy, patience, and a more relaxed attitude, allowing me to fully engage with my future grandchildren.