The Joys of being a Grandparent

Life is moving fast this week! As I sat down with my Greek yogurt and coffee this morning.

I realised we are officially on “Grandchild Watch.” Number seven is due any day now at 38 weeks!

But before the new arrival, we have a big milestone today: Happy 17th Birthday to my third grandchild!

Seeing her thrive as an art college student makes me incredibly proud but also a bit wistful!

Where does the time go?

On the Menu: St. Albans & Salmon

Between the birthday celebrations and my final client meeting of the week (tackling that “old chestnut”—improving cash flow).

I’ve been tallying up the votes for Meal of the Week.

• The Plan: A trip to St. Albans market tomorrow morning.
• To buy the salmon which narrowly beat the chicken dish in the first meal of the week vote. (To promote cooking easy meals for heart and bone health).
• The Pressure: Lunch with friends followed by me attempting to cook the first meal of the week.
• The Guest List: The birthday girl is joining us, so I’ve had to scale up the recipe. No pressure, right? (pleased it’s a one tray dish).

I will post, a picture or two of the meal next week.

I’m still collecting recipes for the following week, so keep them coming! I’ll reveal the winner during our Midweek Catch-up this Wednesday.

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Why I Love Being a Grandparent

As I was driving to my appointment today, I found myself thinking something potentially controversial:

I enjoy being a grandparent so much more than being a parent.

There, I said it! But why is that?

• Is it the lack of “ultimate responsibility” that we carried as parents?
• Is it the pure, unadulterated joy of watching their achievements from the sidelines?
• Or is it simply the license to spoil them rotten and then hand them back?

It’s a different kind of love – one that feels a bit lighter but just as deep.

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The “Big” Question: Who’s the Favourite?

Of course, it wouldn’t be a family gathering without the age-old drama.

This week, they’ve all been at it—from the youngest to the eldest:

“Who is the favourite grandchild?” It’s the one problem I’m not sure I can solve with a cash-flow spreadsheet!

I want to hear from you:

Do you find the grandparent role more rewarding than the parenting years? And how on earth do you answer the “favourite” question without starting a riot?

My role always seems to be taxi driver, taking, watching and sometimes joining in with their activities.

What’s your favourite grandchild moments, is it holidays or being there for their achievements. Let us know.

Leave your tips (and your recipes!) in the comments below.