12 Lessons You Can Learn from Grandparents

This morning was "one of those" mornings. Nothing imparticularly went wrong; however, nothing went right either. I was ready for a break within an hour.

At noon the girls and I went with Nani and CC, my SIL, to get pedicures. I'm pretty sure I didn't say more than 10 words the whole time. But I did sit in that leather massage chair for an hour enjoying every minute.

I was quietly thinking about the attitude that has taken over me the past couple days and the way that I have been speaking to my kids. Can we say, "Rain, rain go away so my kids can go OUT to play!"

I saw my 7 year old lean onto her Nani as they were talking and I thought to myself, "Why do grandparents always get to be the good guys and have all the fun?" Sure, I know I know, they've done their time. I mean my mom and dad had to put up with me. They definitely deserve to get to relax and have fun. And I adore and love the relationship my children have with their 4 grandparents.

I think I can learn a thing or two from watching grandparents with their grandchildren. I think they've done their time in the trenches and have come out on the other side and now it is clear to them of what matters and what doesn't. And I don't want to miss that.

I don't want to wait 20+ years to get it. I want to get it now. I want to focus on what matters while my children are still at home. And to each family that will look differently. But to my family, our values are: faith, family and fun.

What we can learn from grandparents:

• Enjoy, or at least tolerate, the toys on the floor in every room that you have to step over because that means there are little ones home playing, laughing, and making the mess. That is what you will remember in 20 or 30 years, not how clean and show ready your house was at all times.

• Focus on your relationships with your children over creating perfectly behaved soldiers. Just like you need grace daily, so do your children.

• Sometimes parents are the ones who need to take the time-out. Step away, relax, refresh, pray, and then get back in there.

• Take time to make memories. Slow down to snuggle, laugh, and have fun.

• Say yes more.

• Put your phone down. You are missing moments of connection with your children. Look them in the eye when they're telling you their stories and putting on shows. Don't let them remember the top of your head. 

• Get on the floor and play.

• Show up and keep your promises, always.

• Smile more and worry less.

• Let them be little. The days are long, but the years truly do fly by.

• Do not lose who you are and what you enjoy doing. It's good for kids to see their parents pursuing their hobbies and chasing their dreams.

• Never stop dating your spouse.

So what can we learn from grandparents?

To enjoy our kids who are loving, kind, godly, well-behaved, imperfect kids. To get busy making memories and building strong relationships. And good gracious, please remember, the house can wait.