The Joy of Grandkids

Hello, dear readers! Welcome back to the Sixtysomething blog, the place where we celebrate life in our sixties. I'm Grace Taylor Segal. Today, I'm excited to share a heartfelt post inspired by a recent episode of the Sixtysomething Podcast. This post revolves around a tender topic that warms the hearts of many: the joy of having grandkids. Whether you are a grandparent or have cherished memories of your own grandparents, this post is for you.

Celebrating a Milestone

First, a little personal update. I recently celebrated my 66th birthday, and it was a joyous occasion. Birthdays are special to me, and I look forward to them every year. They remind us of the countless memories we've made and the many we have yet to create. But enough about me—today's topic is all about the unique and wondrous experience of being a grandparent.

The Joy of Grandkids

There's a saying that if nothing is going well, call your grandma. This Italian proverb couldn't be more true. Grandparents hold a special place in our hearts, offering a sense of love and security unlike any other.

Unconditional Love

One of the most beautiful aspects of being a grandparent is the unconditional love between you and your grandchildren. This bond is pure and can be life-changing. As grandparents, we often get a second chance to nurture and care for little ones, which is incredibly rewarding. It’s a unique experience to see the world through their eyes and be reminded of the joy in ordinary things.

A Sense of Legacy

Watching your grandchildren grow and develop offers a profound sense of legacy. They carry forward family traditions and values, creating a bridge between past and future generations. Sharing life experiences with them can be remarkable as they learn about our parents and grandparents through our stories.

Building Bonds

Being involved in your grandchildren's lives often means reconnecting with your children in new, meaningful ways. It also provides opportunities to give them a break, allowing you to spend quality time with the grandkids. Reflect on your own grandparent experiences. Remember how their love and attention made you feel special? It’s incredible to be able to offer that same love to our grandchildren.

Treasured Memories

I was fortunate to have all four of my grandparents around during my childhood, and even got to meet some great-grandparents. The stories and memories I have of them are precious. For instance, my maternal grandmother made the best dumplings, a recipe I still cherish and make today. My grandparents were always there to spoil and support us, creating memories that have lasted a lifetime.

Embracing Grandparenthood in Modern Times

It's fascinating to look back and realize how much has changed over the years. When I compare my great-grandparents to myself, it amazes me how different perceptions of age and lifestyle have become in just a few decades. Today, many grandparents are more active and engaged in their grandchildren's lives than ever before.

Challenges and Joys

Grandparenting isn’t without its challenges. Distance and parental boundaries can create hurdles. For instance, my relationship with my daughter changed when she got married, and I wasn’t as involved in her children's lives as I had hoped. However, after her divorce, I finally got the chance to build stronger bonds with my grandchildren, which has been a total joy.

Grandparenting in Pandemic Times

The pandemic posed another challenge, distancing us physically from our loved ones. But it also taught us the value of staying connected through technology. Video calls, text messages, and social media became lifelines, helping us maintain relationships even when we couldn’t be together.

Hilarious Grandkids Stories

Here are a couple of funny anecdotes involving my grandkids:

The Vegan Hotdog Incident

Once, I served vegan hotdogs at a family dinner. My granddaughter Lizzie, then eight, candidly told me, "Grammy, I don't mean to be rude, but those are the worst hotdogs I've ever had." The memory of this incident still makes me laugh till I cry.

Snakes for Dinner?

My five-year-old granddaughter Bella once asked me, "What do you and Poppy eat for dinner?" When I mentioned steaks, she exclaimed, "You eat snakes?" Kids truly say the darndest things, don’t they?

Building Lasting Bonds

One of the most fulfilling aspects of grandparenting is building lasting bonds. Every interaction, whether it's baking cookies, swimming, or attending their events, strengthens these ties. Always make the effort to be present and engaged. Listen to your grandchildren, ask them questions, and pay attention to their interests.

Conclusion

In conclusion, grandchildren truly are a source of immense joy. They help us reconnect with our younger selves and strengthen our bonds with our adult children. Make the extra effort to connect with your grandkids. Even if they act indifferent now, these memories will be priceless for them in the future.

I’d love to hear your stories and tips about grandparenting! Share them in the comments or connect with me on social media. Don’t forget to check the show notes for handouts with advice on connecting with your grandkids.

Thank you for being here. I appreciate you!

Connect with Me

Follow me on Instagram [@gracets](https://www.instagram.com/gracets), join the Sixtysomething Facebook group, or visit the podcast website at [sixtysomething.net](https://www.sixtysomething.net). You can also email me at grace@gracetaylorsegal.com.