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Becoming a grandparent is a special time in life. It’s fun, it’s exciting, and it feels oddly familiar even though it’s a role you’ve never been in. To put it simply, being a grandparent is the best. And if you’re a new or soon-to-be grandparent, we’ve got some perks to share with you that will make you possibly even more excited than you already are!
You get a cool nickname.
Maybe you simply become “Grandma” or “Grandpa.” Or maybe you end up with the most popular grandparent nicknames in the United States: “Nana” or “Papa.” No matter what, your new nickname is now a big part of who you are!
Establishing your new grandparent name could come from anywhere. It could be a word spoken by your grandchild, or a family name passed down, for instance. Of course, you could choose it on your own, but it’s fun to get everyone else in the family involved if you can!
Did you know that hugging or holding grandchildren can strengthen immunity and help you age better? On top of that, grandparents who are heavily involved tend to feel more meaning in their lives.
And let’s not forget about the physical benefits! Having a little one to chase around sure keeps you on your toes, doesn’t it? Spending time with a grandchild means lots of playtime, picking up toys, going on walks, and so on. You’ll naturally get your activity in by simply spending time with them!
You get to spoil them.
When Mom and Dad say “no,” Grandma and Grandpa say “yes.” Isn’t there a saying about that, or something? 😉 As a parent, your rules may have been a whole lot stricter as your kids were growing up. But now? Your heart has been morphed into that of a grandparent! And that means giving in to dessert for dinner, later bedtimes, and so on. It’s just a part of the job, right?
Don’t get us wrong: Not every single rule goes out the window when it comes to your grandchildren. There’s still structure in things like manners, safety, and sibling fights. However, the cool part is that you don’t have to be the parent. Think about it: You get to attend sporting events without the responsibility of regularly chauffeuring your grandchild to and from the game like a parent would. And that’s just one of the many examples! You’ve been upgraded to a grandparent … so, have some fun (and get that second stuffed animal at the toy shop).
You get to watch your kids be parents.
A grandchild may make you nostalgic for the good ol’ days when your own kids were young. But the good news is, you now get a front-row seat to watch your kids assume the parenting role. How cool is that?
If we can give you one piece of advice, it’s this: Know when (and when not) to offer parenting advice. And when you do offer it, make sure it’s in a way that your adult child will actually hear what you’re saying (tips on that here). Establish boundaries, but also know when advice is warranted. This, alone, will go a long way!
Welcome to one of the best chapters of your life: becoming a grandparent. There are some major perks to watching a little one grow, so enjoy it. And your family connection will only grow stronger because of your new role!
Looking for tips on improving your parenting skills? Read our blog post here!
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