Grandparents' words of wisdom

Being a grandparent can be both wonderful and difficult in equal measure. Whether it involves gently bribing a two-year-old who is refusing his morning naps or dealing with an <ahem> explosion early into the afternoon (you know what we mean), nothing quite beats grandparenthood. So, to celebrate grandparents everywhere, we share some words of wisdom from our very own gransnetters, proving that being a grandparent is (beyond all else) one of the greatest joys in the world.

1. You'll realise that grandparenting is actually quite a skill

With a wealth of knowledge already up your sleeve, what's one more little thing to add to the list? You'll not only learn about modern (grand)parenting and what comes with it, but also a lot about yourself too.

"I'm beginning to realise just how much tact and diplomacy grandparents need to employ."

2. But you won't need to give up your identity

In fact, you'll probably evolve with your new grandparent name and love it even more than your original!

"Does it mean that now I am a Nonna I am no longer able to use my years of practiced flirting skills? Because I am a Nonna, do I have to hide my silicone-free, done-me-proud, got-me-out-of-a-pickle-or-two-over-the-years body in a shroud of grey smog? Is my heart restricted to flutters that can only be treated with drugs? I think not." 

3. With grandparenting comes the kids' TV shows

Especially the endless reruns of Postman Pat (did you know that he actually has a helicopter these days?). Although rest assured that this isn't the only way to entertain your grandchildren.

"It might not be to everyone's taste, but make CBeebies your friend."

4. ...and even sometimes the pets!

"Nobody tells you that when you become a grandparent you inherit their b****y pets too!"

5. It'll remind you of your own children when they were little

"You will see little things that remind you of your own children and no other tiny little being will fill you with as much joy as your new grandchild."

6. And you'll know whose boss

Nothing's changed, eh?

"My grandson was telling me about Hadrian's Wall the other day.

"It's the longest wall in the world, Nanny," he said. I told him, "No, the Great Wall of China is the longest."

"No it can't be," came the reply, "because it's a hundred kilometres long, and that's very long!"

I told him that the Great Wall of China was thirteen thousand miles long and that it could be seen from space! By this time, he was getting frustrated at being contradicted by some old woman who doesn't go to school and he turned to me with his hands on his hips and said in a very terse voice, "Yes, but it didn't keep out the Picts did it!"

I couldn't contradict that one! When we got home, I showed him pictures of the Great Wall of China and he had to admit it was just a bit more impressive than Hadrian's Wall."

7. The hard work is totally worth it

Grandparents are, after all, Britain's bonafide childcare army.

"Being a gran is, in my honest opinion, the most wonderful gift in the world. It's hard work; there are tears, laughs and exhaustion, but I wouldn't change a thing."

"You will be surprised at the strength of love you feel for your grandchild. Things do change, so I always double check how parents are doing it nowadays! Sometimes I make suggestions, but I do judge the time to do it."

8. You'll appreciate the little joys, even if you're far away

Long-distance grandparenting is becoming ever easier, but where's that working teleporter when you need it?

"When I think back to my childhood and the limits to communication between generations, I am so grateful that in my generation of grandparenting contact is so easy and the cost of travel relatively affordable."

"It's only in recent years that I have appreciated how really precious life is, even though mine has been full of lows and the odd highs. I am still grateful for every minute, although I know I am guilty of idling some of it away and having no firm plans. That, however, I see as my reward for spending the best part of my life rushed off my feet and exhausted."

9. And you'll learn things that you never thought you would

"I cannot explain how overwhelming the love we have for our nine-month-old granddaughter is. I never expected to feel like this. It's amazing. We are on holiday in Spain, so my son is having to send videos every day as we are having withdrawal symptoms."

"It's a joy, and an education!"

Bursting with pride yet? Thought so.

Other things you might like:

Baking with grandchildren

How to boost your grandchild's happiness and wellbeing

Images: Shutterstock