(A heartwarming look at what it’s really like😊)

“Nobody can do for little children what grandparents do. Grandparents sort of sprinkle stardust over the lives of little children.” — Alex Haley

Grandparents are so precious. I have such fond childhood memories of my own grandparents – particularly belly laughing with my grandma and admiring the joie de vivre of my gran (who had a more vivacious social life at 80 than the 16 year old me…)

Our relationship with our grandparents is a unique one, bonded by a strong family tie. I’m not a grandparent myself so I was curious to know – what is it like becoming a grandparent? What delights does it uncover? How does it differ to being a parent?

I started by asking all the grandparents I knew around me and also those lovely grandparents who are our Tickled Moon personalised book customers and follow us on Facebook. The results were so heartwarming and moving – the outpouring of grandparental love so beautiful – that I felt I had to share it with you.

So I hope you enjoy some of the expected and unexpected gifts that becoming a grandparent brings…

Your baby’s baby

“There are no words to describe the happiness in holding your baby’s baby.” – Unknown

So what’s that first encounter with your grandchild like? Is it as magical as becoming a parent?

Nic told me how he was unprepared for the rush of love he felt when he first met his (now 15 month old) granddaughter. “It was as significant as when I saw my own child for the first time and that was quite unexpected. I didn’t think I’d have such an immediate, deep connection.”

Angela (proud Nanny to Morgan) said “As soon as l held her l felt a love like no other”. 

And the grandparent gifts just get better and better.  “ Being there for when they first take 9 walking steps and just being the best nana you can be – the love you feel for them is priceless.” – Helen R.

So there is no doubt about the immediate bond that is created. But… 

…how does it differ from being a parent?

“All the fun, without any of the responsibility” – Christine Reddihough, my mum and grandma (aka Grandy-Marmalade) to 7.

Valerie Anne expanded on this about her grandson (aged 2)  – “We have the bestest times, without the pressure of everyday chores getting in the way, no early mornings, our time together is full of play. I no longer think housework is important, have learnt the pleasure of play, wished I had as a young mum.”

As a grandparent you generally have more quality time to spend with your grandchildren than as a parent. Without all the day to day parental responsibilities, you can fully engage with them – whether it’s by reading a story, creating something together or sharing a joyful experience together. 

“A grandparent is a little bit parent, a little bit teacher, and a little bit best friend.” – Unknown

And that shared togetherness can happen whatever age they are:-

“I have 4 from the age of 17 down to 2. The smile you get when they see you. Little things like reading books or craft with little hands are so precious. When they get older it’s a joy to take them off for the day and to share experiences together. We love our 4 to the moon and back. 💝🧸” – Helen

And of course one of the GREATEST gifts of being a grandparent is the chance to…

SPOIL THEM ROTTEN!!

“When grandparents enter the door, discipline flies out the window.” – Ogden Nash

It is no secret that what a grandchild wants…a grandchild gets…

“The best thing about being a grandma is I can hand her back at the end of the day after spoiling her 😂 ”
– mummy fumbles@Rachy86918883

But is there a downside to all this spoiling? Not when it comes with oodles of unconditional love. 

“What children need most are the essentials that grandparents provide in abundance. They give unconditional love, kindness, patience, humor, comfort, lessons in life. And, most importantly, cookies.” – Rudolph Giuliani

 Being a grandparent is GOOD for you!

“The excitement in their little voices every time they see me….their gorgeous squishy cuddles & kisses & the words “ love you Nanny” ❤️❤️❤️❤️” – Mandi

It makes complete sense that all this love for a grandchild has very positive benefits for your health. This insightful article by USA today cites many benefits and studies that have been done.

For the gifts of being a grandparent brings a new lease of life, a second childhood to your advancing years.

And suddenly you’re the font of all knowledge too…

“Becoming a grandmother is wonderful. One moment you’re just a mother. The next you are all-wise and prehistoric.” – Pam Brown

And when the going gets really tough, a grandchild can be the one thing that keeps you on track. As Angela, Morgan’s grandmother says – “In times of difficulty, she really does inspire me to have the strength to carry on each day.”

The best grandparent gifts of all??

“The love for your grandchildren is just indescribable. They mean the world to us.” – Phil

Elaine – “😍 I love every minute.”

So it is clear to me from my research and talking to all those wonderful grandparents, that becoming a grandparent is one of the most wonderful parts of our life. And one I look forward to embracing at some point with my boys.

The final word on being a grandparent has to come from this email. I’ve already quoted Angela (Nanna to Morgan) a couple of times, but I’ve saved the best from her until last. This moving email summed up to me the complete joy and outpouring of love that comes from the gift of being a grandparent:-

“My grandaughter Morgan was born June 2017 and l was lucky enough to be with my daughter as Morgan was born, as soon as l held her l felt a love like no other. l became Nanny and my husband became Grumpy, we got a new lease of life and because we had more time to watch we could marvel at all the changes a baby goes through, but the best is when they find their voice, learn to giggle and learn to give the best snuggles in the world. The love they give you is unconditional, the joy on their face when they see you, the way they climb on your knee for a story, the way a magic kiss from you heals all their little injuries and takes away their tears is priceless. The most beautiful bond was with Morgan and her Grumpy, they would do jigsaws together, dig for the biggest worms, go for walks together, get soaked at bathtimes, have chasing games all the while having these serious (on Morgan’s part) conversations about everything a 2 year old could think of, the crows that came in our garden to try and eat the worms, the cat that lives down the lane that keeps coming in our house like he wants to live here, the dinosaurs that live in Morgans bedroom and the big house she is going to live in when she is older which we could live with her too. Sadly Morgans Grumpy suddenly passed away in June 2020 a couple of weeks before her 3rd birthday so now Grumpy is in the sky during the day and the stars and moon at night, she told me Grumpy is watching her when she has fun so Grumpy can have fun too and when she feels sad and doesn’t want Grumpy in the sky anymore she takes his picture and tells him she loves him and he is her best friend forever, then she comes and gives me the biggest hug ever and tells me she doesn’t feel so sad anymore, it amazes me how switched on a 3 year old can be. l can’t wait to see her develop over the years, being a grandparent involved in their grandchild’s life is a privilege and a blessing.”

💗💗💗

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For more wonderful quotes about being a grandparent, click here. And you may also like to read our blog on “The 10 Best Things About Having Grandchildren“. 

And our personalised children’s books are proving to be very popular gifts for grandchildren! You can even ‘star’ in the book with them in our books for 2 – “The Joyful Adventures” and “The Longest Cuddle in the World“, (so it can be a personalised book for grandparents too!)

Printed on high quality paper, with fun personalisations, beautiful stories and a chance to write your own dedication, they are a unique and personal gift that your grandchild will treasure and remember you by forever.🤗

Discover all of our books at TickledMoon.com