Well, let's just deal with this speculation right here and now, and look at it square in the eye!  Becoming a grandmother should not make you feel old, not in any way, shape or form.  However, I've always envisioned myself as "old" when contemplating becoming Grandmother.  The thought has been a constant engraving in my mind as being in a rocking chair and knitting or crocheting.

There I go again!  Speculating that if you knit or crochet, you are "OLD."  And I learned to crochet when I was 13 years of age!  Imagine that.  There is some truth to the aphorism, "You are as young or old as you feel."  Honestly, becoming a grandma was the best experience and feeling in my life time...well so far that is.  It was also a very natural feeling for me.

As I reminisce through my "younger" married years, I recall my mother spending an entire week with me after the birth of my son.  I still thank God for that, as it was a challenging week for me, as it is for most new mothers.  Now, my mom was the most patient and unselfish person that I've ever known.  I sure don't remember her as "old" at that point and time in my life.  She was essentially a life saver to me.  During that week, she gave me a great deal of strength that I never thought I had.

Below are just a few health tips for grandparents:

  • If you feel old, adjust that attitude and do something about it!  Get out and get plenty of exercise.  You can also exercise inside your home with a treadmill or a home video.  Plain walking is essentially the best for Grandparents.  If you feel fit, you will be more able to care for your grandchildren.  I think that's the most important reason of all.  Exercise also keeps the mind healthy and sharp.
  • Eat healthy.  The healthiest eating habits you could practice would be eating 5 small meals per day rather than 3 large ones.  This is excellent for optimal strength, nutrition, and also metabolism.  Include plenty of vegetables, fruits, fiber, and protein in your diet.  It's also advisable to take a calcium supplement daily for healthy bones.
  • Give your grandbabies wisdom and teach them all you know.  When they grow up, they will remember this and appreciate it with a gracious heart.
  • Live, laugh, love!  Do all three with your grandchildren.  Spend ample time with them and show them how special they are to you and how much you love them.  They grow up way too fast!  My grandson just turned 1 a few days ago and I'm wondering where all that time went???  It sure slipped by in a hurry!
  • Life should come full circle for you when you become Grandma.  And echoing my statement above, it should be an extraordinarily natural feeling.  I'm a happy, YOUNG grandmother, and to me, it's just another credit..."check mark," if you will, to my name.