My daughter-in-law had a chance to attend a weekend family event so I told her to go and I would watch the kids. My granddaughter is four and my twin grandsons are 20 months. I was excited about spending three full days with them—72 hours!. I thought we would read books and play games, and I even brought my computer along so I could do some writing while they quietly napped.  Not so much. I guess the past three decades erased the reality of how challenging and exhausting caring for three littles one can be. Even with the help of a neighbor girl and my son, I was overwhelmed!

I spent most of my time making food, feeding hungry kids who did not like the food I made, changing diapers, washing dishes, and soothing boo-boos. I managed to take one real shower and two quicky sponge baths in the bathroom sink. My hair—well let’s just say I went with the natural look which is not a flattering look for me. My sleep-deprived eyes were bloodshot and swollen.  My back ached and my head throbbed. Don’t get me wrong—I loved having that much time with my precious grandkids, I just forgot how hard it is.

I am not sharing this to complain or to get a pat on the back. I am sharing this because I know that many of today’s baby boomers are caring for their grandkids either part time or fulltime and I have the utmost respect for them! I have a new appreciation of what it takes to care for little ones when you are no longer in your 30’s.

Many grandparents today have stepped up to fill in the gap when the parents of their grandchildren are not there. Military deployment, illness, divorce, death, drug abuse, and incarceration are just some of the reasons today’s grandparents are parenting a second time around.

If any of our readers are in this season of their lives, all I can say is bless you! I admire and honor you for the role you are playing in nurturing, loving, and shaping the lives of your grandchildren. You have unselfishly set aside your retirement years to make an investment in the next generation. May God give you the strength and grace you need to endure.

Crystal