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When your grandkids are young, you, grandma, are their very favorite person. You are their spoiler, favorite baker, and best friend – life is good. As they grow, you continue to be their favorite person, but you may notice your relationship change, as they may act like they do not need you as much as they once did.
While it may seem this way – especially after years of being inseparable – I am here to remind you that it is not the case. No matter their age, you (and your relationship with your grandchild) matter, especially when you consider all of the things grandmas do and teach, like:
1. You are a safe haven
No matter how old the grandchild is, grandma is always a safe haven and a soft place to land when they need one. Even during those tumultuous teenage years, when everything seems like the end of the world, grandmas offer a safe refuge. Their homes become places of unconditional love and comfort, teaching youngsters the essence of trust and security.
2. Grandma’s inadvertent life lessons
Every cookie-baking session or garden stroll is filled with life lessons. Who knew? (Well, besides us, of course! Hehe.) Grandmas have this unique knack of turning everyday activities into life-altering lessons that gently guide their grandkids through life’s maze.
3. We celebrate our grandkids’ individuality
The world may tell our grands they are in the wrong for not conforming, so we remind them often that they are special the way God made them. Remember when they wanted to wear mismatched socks or color their hair blue? While parents might fret, grandmas often embrace their quirks and eccentricities, teaching them the value of self-expression and being true to oneself. (Okay, the blue hair may be a bit much, but you get my point!)
4. The joy of simple pleasures
In a world dominated by screens and gadgets, grandmas reintroduce their grandkids to life’s simpler joys. Whether it’s watching birds, playing old board games, or just sitting together knitting, we grandmas – whether intentional or not – teach the importance of disconnecting and relishing the moment.
5. Empathy and kindness
Through our boundless love and endless patience, Devoted Grandmas like us instill empathy and kindness. Not only do our tales often revolve around helping others, sharing, and being there for one another, but we put our money where our mouths are and live by these qualities.
6. Practical life hacks
Who needs Google when grandmas have tried and true lessons that we have picked up through the years? Seriously – Who else to teach the art of removing a stubborn stain or the secret ingredient to the perfect pie, if not grandma? These little life hacks passed down through generations make life easier and create memories that last a lifetime.
7. We offer an unwavering support system
Be it the first ballet recital or the hundredth soccer match, grandmas are always there, cheering from the sidelines. No matter what our grands decide to do, they can count on grandma to instill confidence and teach them the importance of believing in themselves.
8. Patience is a virtue
Those crafting sessions and/or jigsaw puzzles aren’t just pastimes but lessons in patience. Grandmas, through our various activities, teach the value of perseverance and enjoying the journey rather than just the destination.
9. Offering perspective with age and wisdom
With a well-lived life full of experiences and lessons learned, grandmas provide a broad perspective that their grandkids will not find anywhere else. Grandma and her infinite wisdom provide clarity when the world seems overwhelming, guiding the young ones through life’s complex decisions.
Conclusion
At the heart of it, the bond between grandmas and their grandkids is timeless and invaluable. Sometimes, it may not seem this way but know that you are so important and irreplaceable. Keep up the great work!
