(Before I begin, I want to share that I never mean to harm or offend anyone with my posts, which is why I consulted with my pastor before writing this topic. He said it isn’t sacrilegious and is fun and light-hearted, which I pray comes across as you read it!)
If you have studied scripture, attended church or synagogue, or watched the Cecil B. DeMille classic, you are familiar with the Ten Commandments and their importance to us believers. Did you know that we, as grandmas, even have our own Commandment-like rules that we should abide by? For fun, I have compiled a list of the Ten Commandments of Being a Grandma, which includes:
Growing up, one of the biggest influences in my faith life was my grandma, as she attended church every Sunday and walked the walk and talked the talk better than anyone I knew. Now I am the grandma and want my grandkids to see me do the same. We don’t want to overdo it and scare them away, but rather share our beliefs via how we conduct ourselves and interact with others.
2. Thou Shalt Not Say No*
*Unless, of course, the ask is dangerous or a little too over the top, though the latter is hard to come by for grandmas!
Grandmas are special people in kids’ lives, as they can love and spoil unlike anyone else. While you should never go too overboard, a few late bedtimes here or there or ice cream for dinner dates never hurt anyone…
3. Thou Shalt Be the Keeper of Family History
In today’s fast-paced minimalist world, I see people brush off their ancestry and family lineage, so we grandmas need to record and share it for these future generations. Whether it is a family tree, journal, or audio recording, you, Grandma, are the keeper of family history and will want to ensure this next generation knows where they came from. (No pressure, I know!)
4. Thou Shalt Never Miss a Big Event
As your grandchild’s biggest cheerleader, it is important for you to show up to all their big events, whether it be preschool graduation, a baseball game, or a dance recital. If you cannot go, call to wish them luck or send them a small gift to show them you are thinking of them and cheering them on, even when you’re not there.
5. Honor the “Other” Grandma
Depending on family dynamics, this one can be tricky. However, you should never speak poorly about your grandchild’s other grandparents (even if you are the better grandma, which you are, hehe). Don’t forget that it’s a good thing to have a grandchild who is loved by many.
6. Thou Shalt Keep the Tradition Alive
Whether it’s baking that special family recipe together or continuing a decades-old holiday tradition, you – as we discussed in the Third Commandment – are the link to the past and the bridge to the future. As the special grandma, you’re the carrier of the family torch, and it’s your delightful duty to pass it on to the next generation.
7. Thou Shalt Always Have Room on Your Lap
No matter how much your grandkids grow (and trust me, they will grow), Grandma should always have room on her lap and in her heart for those precious grandbabies. Do you remember how all of your problems used to disappear when you sat on your grandma’s lap? You now hold that same magical power – enjoy it!
8. Thou Shalt Foster a Lifelong Love for Learning
From teaching them how to tie their shoes to introducing them to the wonders of the world, be their lifelong educator, as your wisdom and life experience are unique and irreplaceable. Don’t be afraid to cultivate their curiosity, inspire them, and show them that learning is a beautiful, never-ending journey.
9. Thou Shalt Always Have Cookies and Other Baked Goods
Grandmas are famous for their treats, whether it be purse candy, her famous chocolate chip cookies, and/or the delicious store-bought novelties in the pantry. Trust me: Grandkids will always remember the treats they had at grandma’s house and may associate certain goodies with the comfort of your home.
10. Thou Shalt Never Forget – You’re The Best!
Last but certainly not least, thou shalt not forget that you, Grandma, are the best! (Seriously, don’t forget it.) In the eyes of your grandkids, you can do no wrong, as you are the very definition of warmth, love, and comfort. Enjoy every second of being a grandma – it truly is the best job in the world!
Conclusion
There you have it! These are not just the commandments but the joys of being a grandma. Go on, spread the love, pass on the wisdom, and most importantly, enjoy every moment of this grand journey called ‘grandmahood’. Oh, and let’s talk again soon!