A young mother was watching her one year-old child crawling on the carpet of the mall play area. She smiled at me and asked if my two grandchildren were my children. I smiled–wondered if she was blind–and corrected her and said they were my granddaughters.
It was the middle of the week so I assumed she had the day off, but she told me that her mother takes care of her kids during the week. I blessed that grandmother because I could see what a handful the little boy was.
I said that was really sweet of her mother because grandmothers get tired much easier than mothers. The young mother complained that taking care of baby was hard for her, too. I wasn’t going to argue with her. I didn’t say it, but I thought, kids are a lot of work, no matter what age. But the older you are, the less energy you have for them and you tire so much easier.
I was then informed by the young mother that grandma will babysit during the week, but she refuses to babysit on the weekends. According to grandma, weekends are babysitting free.
I could see the anger growing in the young woman’s face. “I mean, that doesn’t make sense to me,” she said. What does she have to do on the weekends?”
My mouth dropped open. There was so much I wanted to say, but I realize I can’t save all the grandmothers in the world.
But I was thinking…your mom has to take care of her mental health–she raised her kids, now it is your turn. Grandma has to take care of her emotional and physical
health. She has to visit friends and play.
How do grandmas play? They ride bikes, they hike, they swim, they golf, and they enjoy a night out. How about watching a movie–during the afternoon–when grandpa is less likely to fall asleep? A meal at a nice restaurant–or even fast food–is a treat because Grandma doesn’t have to cook.
Grandmas are NOT the grandmas of the 40’s and the 50’s–maybe even the 60’s.
WE’VE COME A LONG WAY, BABY!!!!