Why being a grandparent is so much better than being a parent
There’s nothing more rewarding, they say, than being a parent. It gives you purpose, it gives you drive, it brings a new level of joy and love into your life, they say. Well, whoever these experts are, they forgot about the unparalleled magic of being a grandparent (or just haven’t gotten there yet). Here are our favourite reasons why being a grandparent is better than being a parent.
1. Your house is your house
Kids are messy. No one on earth would deny that children bring with them a level of disorganisation and general untidiness that seems permanent and all-encompassing. For their parents, that is. As a grandparent, you can choose an area of your home to designate as the play space and ignore the mess while it lasts. The magic is when the grandchildren go home again and you can restore your home to its pristine condition – ready for another day.
2. They make you feel young again
While parenting can take its toll in the form or wrinkles, high levels of stress, and all other manner of ageing signs, being a grandparent can restore some of that youthful vigour into your life. You’ll find yourself playing down on the floor, and marvelling at the sheer wonder of life from the perspective of a child.
3. You can spoil them
While parents often have to skimp and save to make ends meet, occasionally denying their children the things they really want, grandparents sometimes have a more flexible relationship with their money. Not only does this make you a hero to your grandchildren, it can take some of the pressure off your own children – two for the price of one.
4. No muss, no fuss
It can be easy to block out the memory of just how many nappies a baby goes through on their way to being toilet trained. And one of the wonders of being a grandparent is a complete lack of responsibility for said dirty nappies. Sure, you can change one here or there if you choose, but you’re under no obligation to do so (unless, of course, you’re babysitting – in which case we’d like to think you’re very responsible about the whole situation).
5. Your own children will appreciate you even more
Nothing helps you gain respect for your own parents than becoming one yourself. Suddenly your children will understand exactly what you went through with them, and you’ll have a new level of understanding that wasn’t there before.
What’s your favourite reason why grandparenting is better than parenting? Share in the comments below.