Many Joys of Being a Grandparent

Being a grandparent is a joy unlike any other. In most cases, when you become a grandparent, you have enjoyed many years as an empty nester and are ready for a new exciting chapter in your life. You have been able to enjoy your career and travel without worrying about anyone else’s plans or agenda. But you might miss the day to day activities and happiness of family life.

When you become a grandparent you get to experience all kinds of exciting things, including:

1. Babysitting

Looking after your grandchildren can of course be tiring, and there are occasions when you are glad to hand them back to their parents at the end of a long day. But in most cases, all grandchildren are usually very well behaved when in their grandparent’s care. No tears, no tantrum. Of course then there is always the indulgence of treats (it’s a grandparent’s job to spoil their grandchildren) and lots of stories, playtime and secrets. Grandparents always have the time to give their grandchildren the attention they need, because they are there after all to spend time with them. We are not rushing to work, or out to do errands – the time is focused just on them.

2. Lack of Stress

Being a grandparent is wonderfully conflict-free. Apart from the obvious fact that the role is part-time, the role is actually stress-free. You know your time together is brief; the child will grow up – just as your own children did – or you will die. The shortness of the relationship just adds to the joy. When you see your grandchildren’s beautiful face and have the privilege of sharing in its youthful innocence it makes it all so wonderful.

3. Feel closer to your own children

When your own children become parents, you now share a similar bond that you have never had before and you become closer in the process. It’s also nice to be needed every now and then. And as your grandchildren get older, your own children will appreciate the challenges you once faced as a parent and they’ll come to you for advice when they need it because you’ve been through it.

4. You learn from them – and they learn from you!

Kids are smart today. Much smarter than we were when we were kids. They are learning a new way to do math, talking foreign language classes and are in all sorts of activities. By helping them with homework and attending their games and recitals, you will learn more than you ever thought possible as a grown adult. But in turn, they’ll learn something from you too – generosity, kindness, respect for the environment, and accepting of one’s imperfections and challenges.

Being a grandparent will be the best pure joy you will ever experience. There is something so different about it than being a parent. You don’t have the daily responsibilities, and you can enjoy the youthfulness on a limited basis if you’d like.

But spending the day with your grandchild will make you remember why it’s good to be alive! Just be sure to allow time for a nap.