Why Grandparents are Magical

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It seems like there is a holiday for everything, doesn’t it? Some are silly (I’m looking at you, National Collect Rocks Day), some are nonsensical (hello, National Be Late for Something Day), but some are actually meaningful. Yesterday was one of those days. So, even though this post is a day late… Happy National Grandparents Day!

Simply put, grandparents are the best; they are like real life magic. If you are lucky, like me, you grew up with grandparents as an integral part of your life. My childhood meant sleepovers at my grandparents with all the candy I could stomach, watching game shows with my grandpa, taking long walks with my grandma, and running all over their vast yard until dark. Going to my grandparents is still one of my favorite pastimes, as it feels like my second home.

My husband and I planted our roots in the Dayton area because we wanted our children to grow up close to both our parents and to our grandparents. Watching our parents become grandparents (and our grandparents become great-grandparents) has been such a gift. Grandparents are amazing in so many ways, but here are my top 3 reasons why they are the bee’s knees:

  1. They are your child’s favorite – Let’s be honest, grandparents are considered a bit more fun than parents, am I right? When my daughter goes to either of her grandparents’ houses, she is fawned over, given all of her favorite snacks, and is frequently bestowed new toys and books. Girlfriend is treated like a queen, and she SOAKS IT UP! Our daughter is the first grandchild for each side, so of course spoiling comes with the territory!  She has a special bond with both of her grandmas’, in particular. At my mom’s house, she knows that Grammie is going to indulge her and read as many books as she wants, including the loud, noisy ones. (Girl can sit for up to 25 books in a row!) At my mother-in-law’s house, she knows that she can take baths in the big Jacuzzi tub.  Baby girl has a happy heart at her grandparents’ houses, which naturally, makes my mama heart happy as well.
  2. They are the best teachers – I think we can all agree that it would be awesome if babies came with instruction manuals, but alas, they do not. I have found that grandparents are pretty darn close though. Grandparents are an arsenal of knowledge, especially to a first time, overbearing, worrywart parent. (Not that I’m either of those things, mind you.) What to do for a baby cold? Call a grandparent. How to get spit-up/vomit/poo off clothing? Grandma will know what to do. Teething remedies? Grandma’s got you covered.   Without the physical and emotional support from our daughter’s grandparents, I’m not sure how I would have survived that first year of parenthood. They had me covered 100% and were just a phone call or quick drive away if needed. (And I needed them A LOT!)
  3. They love just like you do – I can’t even explain the peace of mind it gives me knowing that our daughter has so many people who love her wholly and unconditionally, just as my husband and I do. Ya’ll there are times my heart feels as though it could literally burst right out of my chest because I love my daughter so much, and I know that her grandparents (and great-grandparents) feel the exact same way. It has given me so much joy to witness our daughter interacting our parents and grandparents. Occasions, when all 4 generations are able to get together, are indescribably special to me, and they are moments I will forever remember and cherish. It takes a village to raise a child, and we are blessed beyond belief that grandparents and great-grandparents are a part of our community.  

Mamas, if you are fortunate enough to have grandparents in your lives or have enjoyed the beauty of watching your parents become grandparents, sing their praises today! It doesn’t have to be with anything extravagant: think a card, a phone call, a handmade craft, maybe some flowers. The grandparents in your lives will be immensely thankful for the appreciation. I think we can all agree that this is one holiday that deserves to be celebrated year round!