There’s a special bond between grandparents and grandkids. It’s a relationship based on love, appreciation, fun and pure joy. Becoming a grandparent is one of the most special moments of a person’s life, mainly because of the strength of this bond.
Here are some of the reasons having grandchildren is so special:
1. Get a new special name
Nana, Grammy, Grandma, Pop-Pop, GG, Grandpa — the list goes on and on. When a grandchild brands you, you become their person. You’re the only person in the world with that special title to them.
2. Priorities look different
Alison Crawford of Merrimack, New Hampshire, recently welcomed a baby grandson into her life and loves watching him explore the world around him. Watching him learn to walk or listening to him babble takes priority over so many tasks that just aren’t as important.
3. Drop the enforcer hat
Most parents feel obligated to enforce rules and boundaries so their kids grow up to be good human beings. Since their moms and dads are handling that part, grandparents get to focus on having fun and building relationships with their grandkids.
4. Savor the hugs, oh the hugs
Peggy Kiep from Chattanooga, Tennessee, says there’s no better joy than one of her grandchildren or great-grandchildren running up to give her a big hug when they see her.
5. Bring on the animated films
You’re never too old to enjoy animated movies, and having grandkids means you’re not embarrassed when buying tickets to the new Pixar film. Go ahead and get the kid’s popcorn package to share, especially if it comes with gummy candy.
6. Remember your kids when they were small
When you look into your grandchild’s face, hear their little voice or spend time playing together, you’ll be transported back to when their parent was small. What a sweet trip down memory lane!
7. Share your passions
Do you love baking, photography, history, film or fishing? You have time to share with your grandkids, unlike when you were busy raising your own kids.
8. Learn new skills
Grandparents and grandkids can teach each other things. The learning goes both ways! Let your grandkids teach you how to text, use GPS or do the newest dance moves.
9. Gain a best friend
Yeah, you’ve probably uttered, “I’m your parent, not your friend” at some point. The same doesn’t have to be true for grandparents. Many kids list grandma and grandpa at the top of their list of best pals.
10. Take joy in sleepovers
Anne Marie Quimby DiPietro of Vero Beach, Florida, says one of the best parts of being “Nina” to her granddaughter is the sleepovers. Her favorite little girl spends the night at her house almost every weekend.
11. Consider it a parenting do-over
Wish you were more patient when you were raising your kids? Or that you were the type of parent to spend hours working on craft projects together? Being a grandparent gives you the chance to do it again.
12. Watch them grow
“Watching my granddaughter blossom from a shy little girl to a beautiful, smart, caring young lady.” This was the response from Becky Beck of Mount Carmel, Illinois, when asked what the best part of being a grandparent has been.
13. Witness your kids being parents
Mary Ellen Maguire from Elmont, New York, says the true source of joy in being a grandparent, for her, is watching her kids be great parents.
14. Bond with your child in a new way
Now that you’re both parents, you and your child have something huge in common. Use the common ground to strengthen your bond.
15. Be there to step in if needed
Maguire works in the social-services sector and sees many grandparents stepping up to head families and raise children when needed. Being an involved grandparent means you’re always there to assist your family, and your grandchildren know they can count on you.