Every time my kids visit their grandma, they come back bursting with joy. It’s as though a weekend at Grandma’s rejuvenates them more than a week at a luxury resort would for me. They return more relaxed, calmer, and just plain happier. What does Grandma do that I’m missing?
I think I stumbled upon the answer during a morning walk when I saw a grandpa and his granddaughter. Just a few minutes of observing their interaction revealed it all. Clearly, I’m doing it wrong, while Grandma has it down pat. Grandparents have years of parenting experience that comes from raising their own kids (mistakes included) and then mastering the art of being the fun, indulgent grandparents to their grandkids. I can’t wait for my turn!
The little girl, probably around two, was dressed in nothing but a sagging pink diaper. She was shirtless, barefoot, and had tangled hair that screamed ‘bedhead.’ There might have even been remnants of peanut butter and jelly on her cheeks. They were also on a walk, and she was bouncing around, pointing at trees and clouds, and joining Grandpa in calling after the dog. He looked just as relaxed, trailing behind her with a playful attitude. “Come back here!” he shouted, and she echoed, “Omm ack ear!” They giggled together, completely absorbed in their own little world.
They were having the time of their lives, with nothing else on their minds. I can’t recall ever feeling that way with a toddler – so present and in the moment. It made me reflect on all those times I spent with my boys when they were little. But I also remembered the worries that came with it: concerns about them being barefoot, the need to dress them properly, and how a sagging diaper would make me seem like a negligent mother. I was always preoccupied with keeping a schedule—snack times, playgroups, naptimes—an endless mental checklist that consumed my thoughts.
This grandpa, however, seemed blissfully unaware of any lists or schedules. He was fully engaged, showcasing remarkable patience and a skillful touch with a lively toddler. Oh, the wisdom this man could have imparted! If only I could go back, I would trade the rigid schedules for lazy afternoons with my kids, barefoot and carefree, exploring the world around us without a care. I would ditch the watch, toss out the lists, and just enjoy the moment—because, really, nothing else mattered as much as I thought it did. I would make the most of every second instead of wishing the days away. If only I had embraced parenting with a grandparent’s spirit back then.
As I said goodbye to the little girl and her grandpa, I found myself eagerly anticipating the day I’d have grandchildren of my own. We’re going to have so much fun, embracing the imperfections and the lazy days ahead, which I now realize are actually the most perfect moments. Because now I truly understand what really matters.
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Summary
The author reflects on the carefree joy that grandparents bring to their grandchildren, contrasting it with the pressures and routines that often consume parents. Observing a grandpa and his granddaughter, the author realizes the importance of being present and enjoying simple moments over rigid schedules. Looking forward to being a grandparent, they embrace the idea of lazy, imperfect days filled with joy.