5 Reasons Being A Grandparent Is So Much More Rewarding Than Being A Parent

Two of my grandparents passed away before I was born, another when I was just a few years old and my one grandma, who lived until just a few years ago, was always thousands of miles away on the other side of the world. So it wasn't until recent years that I discovered the joy of having a grandparent -- or rather, being one.
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Two of my grandparents passed away before I was born, another when I was just a few years old and my one grandma, who lived until just a few years ago, was always thousands of miles away on the other side of the world. So it wasn't until recent years that I discovered the joy of having a grandparent -- or rather, being one.

I see my in-laws with their grandkids, or my own aunt and uncle with their six grandkids. At this point in their lives, you might think they wouldn't have the energy to deal with screaming toddlers, banging toys and all that running around indoors. Doesn't exactly sound like the "golden years" you envision your entire life. Shouldn't a retiree's days be spent gardening, getting pampered at an upscale salon or enjoying leisurely lunches with friends?

But instead what I've been amazed to see is that the chaos somehow energizes them. They aren't the haggard, sleep-deprived new parents, annoyedly yelling at kid #2 to stop running indoors for the millionth time. If they have bags under their eyes, it's not from being sick of cutting off the crusts of #4's perfectly good sandwiches. And there's more concern than frustration in their voices when they pull #5 and #6 apart and tell them to quit fighting, already.

I recently spoke to my mother-in-law and my uncle, both grandparents of six, to find out exactly why grandparenting is so much more rewarding than parenting.

1. There's more time to stop and smell the roses.
Kids aren't always a walk in the park, but they're sure a helluva lot easier to enjoy when you aren't stressed about your job, paying the mortgage and making sure the homework gets done. It seems, they tell me, when you're a parent you're just doing the things that need to be done. The responsibilities. The musts. Frantically doing just enough to make sure your family survives. Worrying about not screwing up.

Grandparenting is far removed from the stresses of parenting and so you can enjoy those little moments. You can realize that breakfast isn't just about making sure the kids are fed before they get on the bus. You have the time to make breakfast about memories, about noticing that your grandson likes his eggs the same way grandpa does.

2. You can give them what you couldn't give your kids.
Being more financially stable as a grandparent, you have the luxury of giving your grandkids the things they want, not just what they need. The fun vacations to the condo in Florida. The extravagant birthday parties. Even being able to help out your kids when they need it -- like paying for a special school or setting up the college savings fund you always regretted not having for your own kids.

3. They help you forget your own worries, aches and pains.
Age and experience certainly help us cope with stresses better, but it's only seeing the world from the perspective of a wide-eyed child to remind us that life, and the world, really are a thing of wonder. There's nothing like getting down on the floor to play with your grandkid to remind you that life really doesn't have to be so serious.

4. They won't resent you.
Children expect so much of their parents that it's hard for parents not to disappoint, eventually. Parents, faced with the daunting task of raising kind human beings, must set rules, say "no" and be authority figures. There can end up being a great deal of resentment, with both kids and parents feeling the other has taken away a degree of their freedom.

With grandparents, there are no expectations other than unconditional love and support. You don't have to worry about disciplining or setting rules so there's no resentment toward you, resulting in a more open relationship.

5. At the end of the day, they go home.
Grandkids can bring love and laughter into your empty nest ... but on your own terms. No changing diapers. No sleepless nights. You take the good, then at the end of the day, they go back home for mom and dad to do the hard work. But hey, you already paid your dues.

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