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!
As an Amazon Associate and a participant in other affiliate programs, Passing Down the Love earns a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. See full disclosure here.
This post is part of the A-Z Challenge. A is for Adventure.
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.
Download your Coloring Page of “A” Words
Admission
Your child is having a child, therefore you are going to be a new Grandma. You are still young, ambitious, active and able.
Looking in the mirror, you wonder how this could possibly be happening. Admit it, you are looking forward to this addition even if it DOES mean you move up a notch on the family ladder.
Does this Grandchild make me look old?Related: Choosing the Perfect Grandma Name
Acceptance
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. Acceptance is only moments away.
I'm going to be a Grandma and I'm ready for this amazing adventure!
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 when you’re given approval. (never until then)
Accept your friends’ gesture to host an affair in your honor.
Make your home accessible and ready for this new baby.
Go ahead and acquire some additional supplies in advance of the big event.
Advice
You want to be an awesome new Grandma, right? 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 ability to make their own decisions for their child.
A Grandma's advice is appreciated most often when given AFTER being asked...Here is some advice from Joyce at BabyCenter. And here is a little advice just for you – Grandma to new Grandma.
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.
Show affection to your Grandchildren. Hold them in your lap and read a story, give hugs, kisses, and attention. These are the things they'll remember.
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.
I feel too young to be a Grandma, but I'm grateful for the chance!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.
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!
Leanne says
All great tips – especially not announcing anything until they give you permission to – their generation is much less likely to plaster stuff all over FB now they’re adults. Also not giving advice unless specifically asked (and in moderation with disclaimers) is also really important.
Leanne | http://www.crestingthehill.com.au
E for Enjoy Life Today
Kimberly says
I’ve overstepped the line a time or two. With good intentions or not, we have to remember who is in charge of the little one. (disclaimers, yes!)
Sandra Taylor says
being a grandma is my best loved thing – it is precious to have this time with a small child again and yet none of the ‘burden’. they are energetic and wear me out and that is great, they are keen and unconditional with their love and that makes me feel special and grateful.
Kimberly says
So, true, Sandra. Every day with them is special! Thanks!
Judy Freedman says
What a sweet post. I have a long wait until I am a grandma. Although my son told me the other day that maybe at 35 he will be ready to be a dad. I have at least 8 years to go or longer. My daughter isn’t ready yet either. I will likely have a grandpuppy before a grandchild.
Enjoy your grandchildren!
Kimberly says
Ah, Judy. I had two Grandpuppies long before I had Grandkids, too! It’s worth the wait, but if you don’t get there, that has to be ok, too. It’s out of our hands… Thanks for stopping by!