Although I’m still in the prime of my parenting years, sometimes I catch myself wondering what it will be like to be a grandma someday. I mean, if my daughter follows my trajectory, I could very well welcome my first grandchild before I’m 50 years old!
Hard to believe, but when the time comes, I want to be ready. So, I’ve done a little planning — a "Grandma bucket list" if you will.
From all the grandmothers I’ve experienced over the years – my own, my kids’, friends’ parents’, and in-laws’ – I’ve gathered quite a few dos and a handful of don'ts. I’m sure it isn’t easy to be a grandma, but I’m going to do my very best when the time comes. Here’s what I aim to accomplish when I am eventually promoted to Grandma Gretchen:
Send lots of mail
I’m banking on snail mail still being a thing when I’m a grandma, and I intend to take advantage of it. Notes, little packages, Amazon surprises. Whether I live in the same town or not, I want those little cherubs of mine to know that Grandma is always thinking of them.
Prioritize one-on-one time
Have you noticed how kids thrive on one-on-one time? When I’m a grandma I plan to scoop up my grandkids, one at a time, and invest in them as best I can without the hubbub of siblings or cousins. Sleepovers, little dates, and hopefully some grand trips for special milestones.
Do my givin’ while I’m livin’
Whether I have a lot or just a little, I’ll be following in my own grandma’s wisdom, “Do my givin’ while I’m livin’ so I knowin’ where it’s goin’,” she would always say. Bottom line, I want to be generous – with my money, my gifts, my time.
Stay fit
I’m going to do everything in my power to stay fit so I can keep up with my kids and their kids. Run, Grandma, run! Crossing my fingers that healthy, consistent habits now will keep me strong through my grandparenting years.
Follow Mom and Dad’s rules
Here’s the thing, it’s a grandparent’s role to support the parents (in all the good, healthy family situations, obviously). If you say no artificial food dyes, get ready to watch me turn beet juice into the prettiest Easter egg dye you ever did see. If you say bedtime at 8 p.m., watch us snuggle up at 7:45 p.m. for a story before lights out at 7:59 p.m. I’m not going to sabotage your intentions or routines. In the rare case I feel the need to press a boundary, I’ll talk to you about it first and honor your decision.
Continue to invest in my kids
When it comes to my grandkids, I’m level two — a support person to their primary caregiver. That means I’ll make it a priority to invest in my kids and their relationship with their partner. If they’re strong and loved and supported, my grandkids will be in the best possible environment. That means frequent date nights while I babysit, anniversary trips — you name it, Grandma will be here to help make it happen.
Embrace technology
I’m sure there will be a bevy of new technology and gadgets by the time I have grandkids. I aim to keep up with the times and learn what I need to learn to stay relevant and in touch. Technology isn’t going away and if it keeps me better connected with my crew, you can bet I’ll figure it out the best I can.
