Grandma knows best

Sometimes it's hard to admit, but grandma generally does know best.  We are independent women and we have the motherly instinct, but we hit hurdles along the way that require a little help to get past.  Grandma raised you (and your siblings) and you turned out pretty well if I do say so myself.  In moments of frustration, exhaustion, confusion, etc. we turn to the grandma as a source of wisdom and calm.  And rarely does she disappoint (only when the baby has a tantrum that only a mommy can shut down does grandma gladly return the grandchild to you).  And what does a grandma ask for in return after giving their time, sage advice, energy and love?  Snuggles and smiles from her grandchild.  Pretty sweet deal if you ask me!

When AML jr was born Grams basically lived with us for a month.  She shared night shifts with me, and AML jr is a night person (like me and Grams).  She showed me how to stay on top of the laundry, cleaning, errands and general mommy stuff without going insane or collapsing from exhaustion.  Papa Lusty's mother, Grandma Ca, encouraged me to sleep while she watched the baby when we moved to NY, made us food galore to store in our freezer and babysat for our first date night out since having AML jr.  They also taught me about not feeling guilty, something we all need to learn about in this high pressure mommyworld.  We put so much pressure on ourselves to be perfect wives and mothers, and there is no such thing.

I've learned that if you're complaining that you're asking for it, and by it, I mean interference.  And oftentimes the answer isn't always what you want to hear, but it is what you need to hear.  She does need to sleep in her crib, she does need to eat more solids, she does need to cry a little in the crib sometimes, she is ready for the next size, you do need to get out with your husband and leave her with a sitter, etc etc etc.  I discuss this stuff all the time with friends--Grandmas have been there done and out.  And despite new technology, new toys and strollers, new swaddling essentials, new feeding techniques and supplies, books, and all the other new stuff we supposedly "need" even though our parents didn't, Grandmas often have the answers and they cost a lot less than all those material possessions.

Simply put, Grandma knows best.  I didn't say she knows everything, who does?  She does, however, know a lot from experience and what she doesn't know she'll admit to you (both of AML jr's Grandmas love the Bumbo seat).  So, be sure to thank her for everything, as often as possible.  NOTE: National Grandparents Day is September 11.