Five Reasons Grandparents Should Lighten Up

What do I mean grandparents should lighten up? Some grandparents take their experiences positively. They build on them. They make positive changes. Others are somewhat set in their ways. Their vast experience in life has made them a little too serious. They're not exactly mean, but they're no barrel of monkeys either. I believe most grandparents would benefit from lightening up a little. Here's why.

1. Life is short and getting shorter by the minute. I'm right there with you. It's time for us grandparents to relax and enjoy our lives. Grandparents should lighten up and enjoy the small things in life. For instance, my boyfriend and I have gotten immense pleasure this week, just listening to my youngest granddaughter talk. She's absolutely adorable and absolutely charming. What's more, she isn't self centered in any way. She has no agendas. We could all learn from that.

2. Kids are bored by their grandparents lectures and agendas. Grandparents need to lighten up a bit. Let the grand-kids form their own opinions. If your example is good enough, they'll come to the right conclusions all on their own. You don't have to impress your politics on them. They just need someone to spend time with them.

3. Mom and Dad may not agree with you. Your grand-kids Mom and Dad, that is. It's their job to be the disciplinarians. Lighten up. Let them do their job as they see fit. By doing so, you'll have more time to do the things you enjoy. Like having a good time with your grandchildren. Life is about the people you love. It's not about proving your point.

4. It's important to your health. Grandparents should lighten up their diets. You want to be around for a long time. Be sure you're getting the right amount of nutrients. Stay away from empty calories. Cut back on salt, fat and sugar. Get in shape. You can't keep up with the grand-kids with all that extra weight holding you back.

5. Grand-parenting takes brain work. Filling your head with preconceived notions is bad for your mental state. Lighten up. Keep an open mind. Keep sharp by taking classes, doing puzzles, reading and other mental activities. Don't let that brain go dormant. Don't let it get stuck in neutral. Keep it active so you can enjoy your grand-kids to the fullest.

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