It’s entirely possible (and I truly mean possible) that within the next decade, I could find myself embracing the role of grandmother. My eldest, with a little luck and hard work, might just be graduating college, stepping into adulthood, and maybe even contemplating starting a family of their own. And we all know what that entails—grandbabies are on the horizon!
Biologically, my younger son could be ready to create his own little one right now, meaning I could potentially become a surprised and adoring grandma in just nine months. (Time for a small dance to the universe, praying my son only ventures into his own pants for the next decade!) The mere thought of becoming a grandma within this next year or at some point in the future gives me butterflies for so many reasons.
It’s been a while since I’ve had a tiny tot around, and I worry if I still have the patience for it. These days, when I’m out shopping and hear the cries of little ones, my immediate reaction is more annoyance than nostalgia. I often find myself thinking, “Been there, done that. No thanks!” as I sip my latte and relish the peace of shopping sans kids. With my own children growing up and becoming more independent, I wonder if I have the energy or willingness to dive back into the baby phase, even with a grandchild. Could it be different since they won’t be my responsibility? As I’ve heard many grandparents say, I might just get to enjoy the best parts!
Recently, I had the joy of babysitting my sister-in-law’s 18-month-old daughter for a few days. I was a bit anxious about the long hours, remembering my past experiences where I counted down to nap time. But this time was completely different. It was pure bliss! I genuinely believe I’m going to be a fantastic grandma, and here’s why:
- Housework? What Housework? The dishes and laundry? They could wait! The moment that little girl beamed at me while munching on Cheerios, everything else faded away. I felt a wave of liberation wash over me, realizing that for the day, nothing else mattered. I even found myself wishing I could rewind time and cherish those messy toddler days with my boys without stressing about how clean the house was. Ah, the nostalgia.
- Embracing a “Yes” Attitude. I became a “yes” mom—well, not to everything, but definitely more than I did when my youngest was this age. Sure, you can pull out every pot and pan and make noise! Ice cream before lunch? Absolutely! Let’s try on every pair of shoes for an hour or two! I’ll buy that tea set, the fairy wings, and glittery shoes. Missing lunch? No worries! I’ve learned to see the bigger picture—small stuff just doesn’t matter as much anymore. Yes, yes, yes!
- Napping Is Key. When she napped, I joined her! Instead of racing around with a never-ending to-do list, I laid down next to that sweet-smelling girl and just let go. The world kept spinning without me, and when I woke up, I felt rejuvenated rather than guilty. It was like a breath of fresh air, realizing I don’t need to rush through everything anymore.
- Time Flew By. The days I spent with her zipped by, and I was pleasantly surprised at how relaxed I felt. We sang, laughed, took selfies, ate together, and even played on the floor for longer than I remembered doing before. Was it just a shift in my mindset that allowed me to enjoy the moment, or was it simply that I had the privilege of being the fun aunt? I can now understand why my own mother raves about how well-behaved my kids are when they’re with her. It’s the different dynamic—she’s seen the fleeting nature of childhood and appreciates it differently.
I may not be in the grandparent mindset just yet, but I know I will get there. When the clock struck 6 p.m. and it was time for my niece to head home, I felt fulfilled, having given my utmost to her. It was a reminder that my years of parenting have prepared me for this new role. Interestingly, among countless parenting guides, there are hardly any about grandparenting—perhaps because we just naturally know how to do it right when the time comes.
So, are you ready to embrace this role together with me?
Summary
As I look ahead to the possibility of becoming a grandmother, I reflect on my recent experience caring for my niece’s daughter. I discovered that letting go of household worries, adopting a “yes” attitude, allowing myself to rest, and enjoying the fleeting moments with her made me realize I’m genuinely excited about being an awesome grandma. It’s a journey I’m ready to embark on, with the understanding that parenting has prepared me well for this new chapter.