Disclaimer: Devoted Grandma is reader-supported. If you purchase anything through my site, I may receive a small commission (at no cost to you). Thank you.
As grandmothers, we pour our love into our grandkids, hoping to leave behind warm, cherished memories. But just like anyone else, we are human, and our grandkids will remember not only the wonderful moments but also the ones where we may have fallen short. The beauty of it all is that they love us anyway, and the memories we create shape their childhood and beyond. The good news is that most of the memories they carry forward will be the ones filled with love, warmth, and joy.
The Good Memories
1. The Times You Made Them Feel Special
Whether it was a simple handwritten note tucked into their lunchbox, a birthday celebration that made them feel like royalty, or the way you always had their favorite cookies ready when they visited, they will remember how you made them feel valued and adored. These small but meaningful gestures leave a lasting imprint on their hearts, reminding them that they were always loved and cherished in your presence.
2. The Adventures You Took Together
It could have been as grand as a trip to the zoo or as simple as an afternoon of cloud-watching in the backyard. The places you took them, the things you explored, and the curiosity you nurtured will stick in their minds for years to come. Even everyday outings to the grocery store can turn into fond memories if they were filled with laughter, storytelling, and maybe even a little mischief.
3. The Stories You Told
Your bedtime stories, family tales, and made-up adventures were more than just entertainment—they were lessons, laughter, and a piece of you passed down through words. These stories will become part of their inner world, popping up in their minds when they least expect it. Even as they grow older, they will share your stories with their own children, passing on the magic of your words to future generations.
4. The Lessons You Taught Them
From baking a pie to tying their shoes to the value of kindness, the lessons you took time to teach them will stay with them long after childhood fades. They may not remember every detail, but they will remember how you shaped them with patience and love. Perhaps they will recall the time you showed them how to plant a garden and appreciate the beauty of watching something grow. Or maybe they will remember the talks you had about honesty, compassion, and resilience when they needed guidance the most.
5. The Hugs, Kisses, and Comfort
Nothing compares to a grandmother’s embrace. They’ll remember how your hugs melted their worries away, how your hands felt as they held theirs, and how your voice soothed them when life felt overwhelming. No matter how old they get, they will always long for the comfort and safety that your love provided, knowing they had someone in their life who truly cared for them unconditionally.
6. The Times You Laughed Together
Maybe you had inside jokes, played pranks, or just shared a moment of silliness. Those bursts of joy and shared giggles will echo in their memories long after we’re gone. They will remember the time you danced in the kitchen, made funny faces at them, or shared a joke that made them laugh until their stomachs hurt. Laughter is the glue that binds us together, and these joyful moments become some of the most treasured ones.
The Not-So-Great Memories
1. The Moments You Lost Your Patience
We all have moments when frustration gets the best of us. Maybe we scolded too harshly, dismissed their feelings, or let exhaustion get in the way of being present. These moments don’t define us, but they do leave an impression. The good thing is that children are naturally forgiving, and as long as they know they are loved, these moments will not overshadow the good ones. Still, it’s important to recognize when we’ve been too harsh and make amends when needed.
2. The Times You Said No When They Wished for a Yes
While boundaries are important, a grandchild may remember the times they wanted just one more bedtime story or to stay up a little later, and we said no. With time, they’ll understand, but in the moment, it can feel like disappointment. However, they will also learn that structure and discipline are part of life, and in the long run, these lessons help them grow into responsible individuals.
3. The Days You Weren’t Fully There
Maybe we were preoccupied with worries, distracted by our phones, or simply too tired. Children notice when we’re not fully present, and they may recall moments when they wished for more of our attention. Life can be overwhelming, and we are not always able to be 100% engaged, but making a conscious effort to be present when they are with us helps create stronger bonds and more meaningful memories.
4. The Time You Weren’t Able to Protect Them
As grandmothers, we want to shield our grandkids from all harm, but sometimes, life has other plans. They may remember a time they were hurt—physically or emotionally—and wished we could have made it better. The truth is, we can’t always protect them from every hardship, but we can be there to support, guide, and comfort them when they need us the most.
5. The Hard Conversations
Whether it was telling them they couldn’t have what they wanted, explaining a difficult truth, or disciplining them with love, these moments may stand out as uncomfortable or painful. But in the end, they also help shape their understanding of life. Tough conversations about loss, change, or responsibility may not always be easy, but they teach our grandchildren valuable life lessons that they will appreciate later on.
The Power of Love in All Memories
What matters most is that the love we give outweighs any moment of imperfection. Our grandkids don’t need us to be perfect—they need us to be present, to love them fiercely, and to show them that even when we make mistakes, we always come back to love.
At the end of the day, the good memories will shine the brightest, but even the bad ones can become lessons of resilience, forgiveness, and unconditional love. And if we ever worry about the not-so-great moments, we always have today to create new, beautiful ones.
We may not always get everything right, but our grandchildren will remember the love we showed them, the warmth of our hugs, the kindness in our words, and the laughter we shared. These are the moments that will stay in their hearts forever, and that is what truly matters.
