Being a New Grandma is an Adventure

Being a new Grandma is exciting, awesome, and amazing beyond words.  Your life will change in ways you can’t imagine.  Let me share some tidbits here because being a new Grandma is an adventure you’ll treasure!

This post is part of the A-Z Challenge. 

A post using every letter of the alphabet.

Here we go…

“A” is for Adventure.

A New Grandmother Adventure

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The alphabet is full of amazing words to describe the adventure of being a Grandma.

After six+ years of being a Grandma, I’ve learned a few things. 

Maybe you’ll appreciate this analysis from my angle.

For every letter in the A-Z Challenge, we have a coloring page for your Grandkids.

Download your Coloring Page of “A” Words

Admit You’re Going to be New Grandma.

Your child is having a child, therefore you are going to be a new Grandma. 

You are still young, ambitious, active and able.

You thought Grandmas were just little old ladies.

Looking in the mirror, you wonder how this could possibly be happening. 

Well, it’s happening.

Admit it, you are looking forward to this addition even if it DOES mean you move up a notch on the family ladder.

Being a Grandma for the first time is scary, exciting, moving, and ridiculously awesome.

You’re going to be an awesome Grandma!

Related:  Choosing the Perfect Grandma Name

Acceptance of Your Role as Grandmother.

It may be a shock at first, but after a few weeks, you will gain the ability to accept this amazing news. 

The avoidance of the idea will cease, the alarm bell will go silent, and the adventure will begin. 

You’ll get so wrapped up in the idea of this new little life, this extraodinary addition to your family, that you’ll be aching to hold this precious bundle.

Acceptance of your role as a first-time Grandma is only moments away.

Prepare for Activity.

Now you’ve admitted and accepted that you’re joining the Grandmahood, so it’s time for the activity to start.

Announce the News

Announce the news when you’re given approval.  (never until then)

It’s exciting news and we know you’re happy and proud!

Accept Congratulations

Accept your friends’ gesture to host an affair in your honor.

Get Your Home Ready

Make your home accessible and ready for this new baby.

Protect your new Grandchild from the hazards of a home by putting a blanket over your brick fireplace hearth, inserting plugs into outlets, getting a gate, or whatever else is required to make your home safe.

Remember the Car

If you’re going to be helping transport this little one, make sure you have an infant seat for your car.

Stock Up

Go ahead and acquire some additional supplies in advance of the big event.

If you live close by your Grandchild, you should probably be prepared for visits. Having supplies on hand will make your visits easier, which in turn might make them more frequent.

And that’s always a good thing, right?

Give Advice Sparingly.

You want to be an awesome new Grandma, right? 

Find some more tips here: 10 Top Tips for a New Grandma – Be the Best Grandparent!.

Then only give advice when asked. 

And even then, give that advice absent of judgment and accusation. 

You are no longer the parent. 

Let your children be amazing parents. 

They will make their own mistakes, just as you did in the past. 

Accept their analysis of possible approaches and accept their answers and the ability to make their own decisions for their child.

And here is a little advice just for you – Grandma to new Grandma.

Give Affection.

Show your affection for this awesome little person. 

Give amazing hugs, kisses, and access to your time. 

Accumulating “things” that are soon abandoned, lost or broken will likely be soon forgotten as well. 

Giving your time, attention and affection are the things which will be put away in their hearts and memory in the years to come.

Related:  Best Grandparenting Books for Grandparents: Advice You Can Use

Appreciation

Your child will appreciate your efforts to always be a positive addition to their child’s life. 

Your approval and support will be appreciated as well. 

In return, allow them to feel your appreciation of the time you have with their child.  Show appreciation for them in their role as parents. 

Adopt an attitude of gratitude for this little being and you will be rewarded.

Adventure

So the adventure has begun. 

Admit it, accept it, begin activities to prepare, hold advice until asked, show affection and appreciation, and always strive to have the most amazing Grandma Adventure!

A is for Adventure.

See also: You Know You’re a Grandma When…

Keep Passing Down the Love,

P.S.  Long-distance Grandma: 

It may not seem real when you’re so far away, but your adventure has begun, too. 

Make an effort to connect with this new little one. 

You won’t regret it!

Local and Long-Distance Grandparents: Making it Work.

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