The Grandma Journey: An Interview with My Mom

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This post is part 2 of 4 in the series Grandparents: Celebrating a Legacy of Love.

The Grandma Journey: An Interview with My MomFrom babysitting to weekend getaways to spoiling our children, grandparents can make such a lasting impression on our children. I am incredibly fortunate that my children have their grandparents close by. We have family dinners, we go to the zoo, and we even have sleepovers at their houses.

In celebration of Grandparent’s Day, my mom, Chris McAtee, shares her thoughts on being a grandma to three cute grandchildren.

Leslie: Think about your experience with your grandparents. What did you learn from them about being a good grandparent?

Chris: My parents were fortunate to have their parents close by when my brother and I were growing up. We spent many a Saturday night with my grandparents. We played a lot of cards and ate ice cream and drank real Pepsi.

Leslie: Describe when you first became a grandparent. How did it feel?

Chris: I wanted to be a grandma for a really long time. I was elated when Leslie was first pregnant and then devastated when she miscarried. But life goes on and before long, we were anxiously awaiting Samuel John’s arrival. I was honored to be present for his birth, and it’s an experience I will never forget. I immediately fell in love. It’s a swelling-of-your-heart kind of love. I get so excited to see the grandchildren… each and every time. I don’t think I could ever tire of being around them.

Leslie: What’s your favorite part about being a grandma?

Chris: The absolutely best part is when they first smile at you and when you know they recognize you and hold out their arms for you to pick them up. It’s just the best feeling in the whole world!The Grandma Journey: An Interview with My Mom

Leslie: How is being a grandparent different than being a parent?

Chris: The difference really is that you can spoil them and send them home!

Leslie: What are some struggles with being a grandparent?

Chris: Feeling bad when they don’t want you. We just experienced some “terrible twos” attitude and Sam wouldn’t have anything to do with me. It was crushing, but I needed to realize it would pass. And it did!

Leslie: What advice would you give to new grandparents?

Chris: I always tried to keep my opinions to myself. There is nothing worse than someone telling you what to do! I remember wanting to do everything my way and can’t imagine my son and daughter not feeling the same way. I just keep my mouth shut and know that whatever decisions they make, they will be the right ones for them and their children.

Watching your parents become grandparents is one of the greatest blessings when you have a child. Their love for your children is immeasurable. My parents and my husband’s parents are life-savers when we need help with the kids. They are exceptional grandparents and my kids are lucky to have them in their lives.

Happy Grandparent’s Day!

Read more from our Grandparents: Celebrating a Legacy of Love series:

Grandparents: Celebrating a Legacy of Love

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