A Message to my Grandchildren: Things I Want My Grandkids to Know
A Grandparent's advice for Grandchildren. They're so young and innocent. And I'm old and wise. Maybe. Anyway, I'm sending this message to my Grandchildren with the things I want them to know and remember.
A Message to My Grandchildren
So, I've been sitting here thinking about our little people and what I'd like to tell them.
I'm sending this message to my Grandchildren because there are important things - "advice from Grandparents" - I want them to know.
Maybe you, too, have thought about the important nuggets of truth, experiences and lessons, wisdom, and encouragement that you could share with your Grands.
Think about the things you'd like to share with YOUR Grandkids, advice you'd like to give them, or those all-important truths about being someone's Grandmother...
Being a Grandmoher is an Adventure, for sure!
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But first, there's this...
It starts here:
The Little Grands are spending the night with Grandma.
You're standing in the doorway watching them sleep.
Little Miss takes a deep breath and exhales softly.
Tears come as you remember your own children, so sweet, sleeping soundly, without a care in the world.
Seeing them like this reminds you of those days long ago, when you were the Mom, not the Grandma.
No matter how difficult your children were on a particular day, or how much they had annoyed you, you would stand there and watch them sleep.
And couldn't believe how lucky you were to be their Mom.
At that moment, their vulnerability was evident, and there again you could see the halo floating above their heads.
Isn't that the best? Watching them sleep? Then you fall in love with them all over again.
And you think:
Now instead of it being your children, it's your GRANDchildren.
How incredibly awesome it is to have the opportunity to know your grandchildren.
How did you get so lucky to have the best grandkids?
Little Miss & Mr. are funny munchkins.
They say hilarious things.
Their giggles are contagious.
Your heart melts when they look at you with those sparkling eyes and grin.
Then they squeeze you around the neck. They call you Gramma, Nana or Mimi and you feel their unconditional love.
And suddenly you're wrapped around their little fingers.
You want to hold them, protect them, and never let them grow up - which we all know is impossible.
But Life is a Roller Coaster
These littles are so innocent, sweet, and unaware of how harsh life can be.
They are also unaware of the truly magnificent things that are possible.
Life can be cruel and unforgiving.
It can be rewarding and amazing.
There will be times of disappointment and heartache.
There will be times of great joy!
No doubt they will face difficult situations during their lifetimes, and times of abundance and promise.
The least we can do for them is help prepare them for the day when we are no longer able to help them, defend them, or shield them from the outside forces.
And prepare them to appreciate and treasure the times of plenty.
We can help.
It's up to us to provide the tools and strength they will require when the unexpected, inevitable, challenging moments come their way.
It's up to us to teach them gratitude and appreciation for the good things in their lives.
The stability, courage, and confidence that come from having a strong family connection will be their protection.
The encouragement, acknowledgment of their accomplishments, and support for their endeavors will sustain them as they grow and find their way.
Knowing that they are never alone, always have someone on their side, and the love of their family can increase the probability of a successful, productive, happy future.
WeHaveKids.com shares thoughts on Grandparents and their role in a child's life.
What do you want to say to your Grandchildren?
Every Grandparent wants what's best for their Grandkids. I'm sure you do, too! What things would you like them to know? I've compiled my list here.
Take a look and see where you agree and where we might differ. Let me know in the comments! I look forward to hearing from you.
Here is the message to my Grandchildren:
Dear Grandchildren,
These are the things I'd like you to know...
Love
Know that you are loved unconditionally. Always. For as long as I live, you will be in my heart.
Kindness
Always show kindness and empathy.
People will be drawn to you when you are understanding, caring, and compassionate.
Treat others as you would want to be treated.
Help Others
You get what you give, so be helpful and encouraging to others.
Related: What We Can Learn from the Grandkids
Effort
Go all-in when you have a task to complete or a goal to achieve. Give 100% to any undertaking.
Be happy about successes and know you are capable.
Remember: finding the 12 ways it didn't work leads to the 13th way that it will.
Be Proud
Have pride in your accomplishments.
The prize is always sweeter when you've worked hard and scrambled to get there.
Be Humble
Admit when you make a mistake.
We are all human.
Start again and do it right next time.
Have Strength
When things go wrong, and they probably will at some point, be strong.
Be courageous.
Pick yourself up, dust off, and push ahead.
There will be highs and lows during your life.
With the love and support of your awesome family and the perseverance and strength you have inside, you will be able to handle whatever comes your way.
Learn
It never ends.
You will never know it all, even if you think you already do.
There's that "one more thing" that could tip the scales in your favor.
Don't miss out.
Be Open-Minded
Listen to advice from others, even if you don't agree with them.
Consider their opinions, but make your own decisions.
Be Independent
Choose your way.
You are in control of your own life.
You are the one to live with your choices.
Be Involved
Make the world a better place.
Go green, fight for what's right, support a cause.
Do what you can to leave your mark - - let them know you were here!
Find Happiness
Laugh. Enjoy your life. Have fun. Be happy.
Remember Family
Spend time with your family.
The love and support you have from them can't be measured.
Know Where You Came From
Learn about your connections, traditions, and history.
Love God
Find a way to worship and love your God. Have faith in Him through all things.
My final words:
Of course, this is only a partial list of the things I want my Grandkids to know.
Each family is unique, so add your own words of wisdom, advice, and love to this list.
Share with your littles.
Having Grandchildren is like having a second chance to get it right.
You want to enjoy your time with them and want them to enjoy their time with you.
Pass on your wisdom to them, but also learn from them.
Encourage them and support them.
Send a message to your Grandchildren.
Most of all, let them know just how much you love them.
Today, tomorrow, and always.
What do you want YOUR Grandkids to know?
Tell me in the comments below.
Keep Passing Down the Love.
Grandma's Tip of the Day: If you have hiccups, ask someone to press the protruding skin in front of your ear canals while you drink a glass of water.
Your hiccups will subside within a minute.
Other posts you may like:
You know you're a Grandma when...
On Becoming a Grandmother for the First Time.
I have a saying that I hope helps them to strive, not for more stuff, but to achieve and accomplish what is important to themselves, not what other people (society) tell them they should value. “It is better to do things than to have things.”
Such beautiful words. But so painful. Something I struggle with every day. I have 2 grandchildren that I am not allowed to see it hurts it's a pain that I can't even explain I do want them to know that I am here and I do love them very much and always wanted to be a part of their life but that was never possible I'm always thinking of them I hope they're safe I hope they're happy and I hope they get everything in life that they want and need
Love each of these! Grandchildren are SUCH a gift! I just want to SAVOR each and every moment I share with them, and mostly for them to FEEL that love long after I am gone!! I just try to be keenly aware of time being short, and saying I love you as often as I can. Sadly, I sometimes forget to say it to my kids, and they need it too!! Blessings!
P.S. I would LOVE to have these printed out as well!!
It would be great if these ‘’sayings’ were individually printed on small cards that can be included in letters or cards we send to our grandchildren… put in their lunchbox or under their pillow or on their bathroom mirror …
Wonderful article thank you for sharing!
I think this is wonderful. I try and tell my grandkids some of these things all the time. I may borrow a few of yours also. Thank you for sharing.
Very true! Being a first time grandparent is Awesome! It’s therapeutic! You start to Glow! Bp lowers🤣❗️ I am loving it all the way❤️🌹🌹💃
Your article has touched my heart tremendously as my grands live far away. Thank you for reminding me that I have things I can share with them from my wisdom and not just gifts and time. They own my heart and I want them to know that. Thank you, thank you!
Our grandson lived with us the first 5 years of his life and flew here to spend summers with us from 6-10. My son got married and they then moved close to us, but Kayson still travels with us in the summers. Every year since he was 5, I have made him a book on Shutterfly of our summer adventures. This year I am making a book of the whole year.
I also started a photo album (with slip in pages) where I put pictures and then a encouraging note, some family history, something funny etc (weekly). Behind each picture I put a $5 bill. I'll give it to him when he graduates from high school and he'll have a nice little amount of money and lots of memories.
@Jana, I love this!! May have to borrow some of this if that's okay?! (:
My children and older grandchildren know that when I express my opinions or make recommendations, they are the ones to make the final decisions. This has benefited all of us.
Thank you for this article with a great message.
I am a watercolor artist. I made a watercolor sketchbook journal for each of them with little messages on each page.
I hope they keep them as they grow up and look at them and remember me
This is a wonderful collection of things to share with your grandchildren, and to teach them, and yes… learn from them as well. 😃. Having grandchildren can make us young again, bring us joy, and keep us moving!
One thing I might add is to share your story with them. Take a few minutes a day and jot down memories from your childhood, and do include the trials as well as the good times. You don’t have to include any gory details, but if it was real and memorable for you, share how you felt about it at the time, and now. Write about games you played, where you went to school, friends and jobs you had, etc…
I started writing my “Gram’s Story” a few years ago, and have edited, added, and even deleted sections. The most rewarding thing for me so far is that as I am in this process, I have shared the part I have written with my grandkids. One grandson in particular always asks me to read some of it at bedtime when they are sleeping over. It melts my heart that he is interested in it at 10 years old!
Our grandchildren know my two “Life Phrases”:
Normal Is Boring - so go out and have fun! Do jump in puddles and run in the sprinkler. Roll down the grassy hill no matter who is watching.
Never Give Up - keep on trying… no matter what
Thanks to all of the wonderful grandparents for sharing and caring for their grands!
I loved this article and will definitely save it and read it again and again. Thank you for sharing it. Gigi😊
My heart overflows with love for my grandkids…ages 25, 22, and 12. I try so hard to show them that my love is unconditional, “now, for always and no matter what”.
From the time of my first grandchild's birth, I took on the "job" (volunteered) of recording special moments through scrapbooking. I wasn't geographically close initially, so when I wasn't around, I relied on pictures sent by the parents (son and daughter in law) via text. I presented the first book as a Christmas gift - and- wow- tears of joy! My grandson is almost 5, and I'm still crafting! (I make a nearly duplicate book for myself too!)❤️
@Lisa, I have also done this. My grandkids live 8 hours away. That doesn't seem like much but to me they are far away and not just down the block. Since my 6 year-old grandson was 18 months old, I have scrapbooked our visits beginning with a story. I've been scrapbooking our journeys ever since. Whether they come to visit or we go to see them. I treasure looking at the books and re-reading the stories. I take pictures of each page if I'm giving them the book. Then I can still look at them on the computer. They are such a blessing. And now he has a brother who just turned one. We met him for the first time in April. I am working on that book right now. I also just completed a photo ABC book for them. They are visiting in August so I'll present it to them then. That way I can see their faces in real time instead of Facetime. ☺
@Lisa, Your post made me smile. When our oldest granddaughter (1 of 8) graduated from high school I got the idea to make a memory book of her life. I didn't care for scrapbooking so I decided to purchase a software program to create it and print it out. In 2023 grandson (# 7 grandchild) got his book. Oh, how I improved my skill levels and the Internet is full of ides and free images, quotes, backgrounds, frames) to create scrapbook pages! I cherish the special time I get to sit down with them and go through their lives from birth and looking forward to their future. I just want to encourage you to continue making and giving your future grandchildren.
I love this......everyday there are things I want to pass to my grandchildren. So much so, that that I am thinking of writing a book. My best advice, one that I fervently wish I had followed is....live with yes! Say YES to things! YES to people, places and things. Say YES so that when you reach the end, you'll have no regrets, no what if's, no what might have beens. Live every moment!
Start a journal of things that you do together, things they say, family traditions, fun times together, their height weight, your dreams and prayers for them and all the wonderful things above in your writings. Give a journal to an "expectant grandparent". My granddaughter knows that I do this and ran in the house before she left to go home to get the book. "Dede, don't forget to write about our adventures." When she is gone I pull it out and remember! And when I am gone to my heavenly home she will remember me.
@Deb, Writing about what we do is a great idea! I’ve thought of that, but never did it. Going to try to start doing it — consistently!
Add something about forgiveness and how important it is not to hold grudges
Tell your grandbabies they are fine just the way they are.