Becoming a grandparent is a thrilling moment, surpassing in emotion anything you’ve experienced since you first became a parent. What exactly do you feel when you see the flowering of your family’s next generation? Some of what you experience is certainly unique to your specific circumstances, but there are also some things that all new grandparents can relate to. If you’re a first-time grandparent, these ten things will have you smiling and nodding in recognition.
- You can’t stop grinning
It’s no exaggeration to say that seeing your grandchild literally brightens your world. Every moment of every day seems like a new cause for celebration.
- “Grandpa” or “Grandma” starts to feel like your only name
Once a grandchild is in the picture, suddenly Mr. or Mrs. Whatever is no longer an acceptable name. You’re “Grandma” or “Grandpa,” plain and simple.
- Your excitement surpasses that of the parents
Sure, the baby mommy and daddy are thrilled, but their feelings couldn’t possible match your own over-the-top exaltation.
- The shock never diminishes
Life is full of shocks, but usually the initial jolt dissipates over the course of a few days. Not so with the surprise of seeing your own little baby produce a baby of their own.
- Like the baby, you get all tuckered out
Grandparents often depend on naptime just as much as babies do. All the excitement ginned up by the little bundle of joy is bound to wear you out. But isn’t it a pleasant type of tiredness indeed!
- Everything the kid does is amusing
As parents, kids can be a bit of pain. As grandparents, even their misbehavior is a hoot.
- You forget your pre-grandparent days
Was life even real before the arrival of the grandchild? Sometimes you might look back and doubt your prior existence.
- Part-time parenting is a mighty fine gig
Taking the grandkid for the day is a blast, but giving them back at the end of the day is a nice relief.
- Cribs and car seats are still a pain
What with all the advances in technology in the past decades, you would have thought the many contraptions associated with baby-raising have been purged of their hassles, right?
- You feel younger than ever
Being an grandparent might be associated with older age, but somehow having the baby around has only made you feel younger that you ever did before.
