11 Key Traits Every Grandma Should Have (No Matter How Hard It Is)

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Have you ever noticed that all the best grandmas share the same traits? From endless patience to a natural gift for nurturing, grandmas have a way of consistently demonstrating the best in humanity. While I could write a novel about these traits (and a list of grandmas who deserve to be recognized for having them), I decided to make a short and sweet list, which includes:

1. Patience

Smiling grandmother

I know I talked about it in the intro, but it warrants its own paragraph, as grandmas seem to have endless patience when it comes to their grandkids. Grandma knows that kids will be kids and that it is okay for them to ask questions (to an extent) and explore the world around them.

2. Nurturing

Grandmas are some of the most nurturing people I know. Whether a switch goes off when a woman becomes a grandma – or if she is picking up where she left off with her kids – grandmas always know what to say and do to fix whatever needs it.

3. Wisdom

You may not always feel like it, but you, my friend, are wise and have so much to offer in terms of knowledge and advice. From solving little daily problems to giving your two cents (when asked, of course!) on significant life decisions, grandmas always seem to have the right words and the best solutions.

4. Generosity

Mom and Grandma with the newborn

Grandmas are often generous to a fault. From the endless supply of baked treats to their readiness to offer help when needed, grandmothers often put their grandkids’ needs ahead of their own. (Don’t even get me started on the spoiling…)

5. Support

Support comes in many forms, and grandmas do it all! Whether attending school recitals, cheering at sports games, offering a shoulder to cry on, or simply providing a listening ear during tough times, grandmas are always there for their grandkids.

6. Stability

In an unpredictable and fast-moving world, a grandma’s love is a constant, providing stability and security. Grandmas like us offer an anchoring presence in their grandchildren’s lives, becoming a sanctuary of peace, warmth, and love.

7. Unconditional Love

Three generations of women posing for a photo

Let’s talk about love – the kind that’s pure, deep, and as vast as the universe. That’s the kind of love we grandmas are champions of, as we offer a type of love that knows no bounds and no conditions. Grandkids take note: Your grandma’s love is your lifelong safety net, there to catch you, always.  

8. Skills and Traditions

Every family has its own unique mix of customs, traditions, and skills, and guess who’s the holder of all these precious gems? That’s right: It’s you, Grandma! You are the living, breathing time capsule preserving and passing down family traditions, secret recipes, and skills, thus keeping the family’s cultural heritage alive.  

9. Resilience

Grandmas have been around the block once or twice (some of us more!) and have weathered storms, faced life’s many ups and downs, and emerged stronger. This resilience is not just inspiring; it’s a lifeline that teaches our grandkids about the power of endurance and optimism, shaping their approach to challenges in their own lives.

10. Adaptability

Cool grandmother at the beach

Let’s hear it for our adaptability, Grandmas! (Hip, hip, hooray!) We may have been born in a different era, but that doesn’t mean we can’t keep up with the times, as we’re constantly learning new technologies, staying updated with trends, and stepping out of our comfort zones to understand the world our grandkids are navigating. This adaptability isn’t just about staying relevant, but bridging the generation gap, making us not only grandmas but also friends our grandkids can relate to and confide in.

11. Endless Joy

Last but certainly not least is our endless joy. Maybe we’re born with it, or maybe it’s Maybel – err, I mean our grandkids. Whatever it is, we can find joy in even the smallest things, be it a giggling grandchild, a freshly baked pie, or a blooming garden flower. It’s truly remarkable and a trait that I hope everyone can experience in their lifetime.

Conclusion

This list, my dear fellow grandmas, could go on forever because we really are that amazing! 😉 Here’s to us, the grandmas of the world – keep being the beautiful, inspiring, and extraordinary women you are! (And let’s talk again soon.)

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