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As grandmothers, we go about our days doing the little things we always have—folding laundry, humming while we cook, fixing a child’s collar before they run out the door. To us, these are just habits, but to our grandkids, they become part of the memories they cherish.
Sometimes, we don’t realize just how much they notice about us, even when we aren’t trying to be noticed. Here are some of the things our grandkids quietly pick up on that we may not even think about:
1. The Way We Smell
It could be the soft scent of our favorite perfume, the comforting smell of freshly baked cookies, or even the faint scent of laundry detergent on our clothes. Our grandkids associate these smells with home, warmth, and love, even when we don’t give them a second thought. The scent of our kitchens, the old wooden furniture, or even our garden’s fresh blooms all linger in their memories long after they’ve grown up.
2. Our Unique Phrases and Sayings
We all have little expressions we say without thinking—”Well, I’ll be!” or “Mercy me!”—that our grandkids tuck away in their minds. They might roll their eyes now, but one day, they’ll find themselves saying the exact same words and smiling at the memory of us. The way we pronounce certain words or how we call them by affectionate nicknames are all things they hold dear.
3. How We React to Life’s Small Annoyances
They notice whether we sigh heavily when we misplace our glasses or laugh when we drop something. They pay attention to how we handle frustrations, and without realizing it, they learn from us how to manage their own little troubles. If we keep a calm demeanor when facing life’s inconveniences, they learn resilience and patience from watching us.
4. Our Special Ways of Comforting Them
Whether it’s rubbing their back when they’re sad, knowing exactly how they like their hot chocolate, or the way we whisper, “Everything’s going to be okay,” they never forget how we make them feel safe and loved. The warmth of our hugs, the way we tuck them into bed, or even the way we hold their hand during a scary movie—it all becomes part of their sense of security and comfort.
5. The Way We Tell Stories
Grandkids notice how our eyes light up when we tell stories from our past or how our voices change when we imitate different characters. They may not say it outright, but those storytelling moments stick with them for life. The tales we tell—whether true stories from our childhood or completely made-up bedtime adventures—shape their love for storytelling and imagination.
6. The Little Details in Our Homes
They recognize the afghan we’ve had for years draped over the couch, the porcelain figurines on the shelf, or the old clock that chimes every hour. Even when we don’t think about these things, our grandkids associate them with our presence and warmth. The sound of the wind chimes on the porch, the creak of a well-worn rocking chair, or even the decorative magnets on the fridge—all of it tells a story of home.
7. How We Treat Other People
They see how we talk to cashiers at the store, how we greet neighbors, and whether we say “please” and “thank you.” Even when we don’t realize it, they’re watching and learning about kindness, respect, and gratitude from us. They notice if we take the time to help someone in need, write thank-you notes, or remember important occasions, and they carry these lessons with them.
8. Our Laughter
Whether we have a soft chuckle or a big belly laugh, our grandkids notice. They remember what makes us laugh, how we giggle at our own jokes, and the joy we bring into a room. Our laughter has a way of easing tensions and making them feel at ease, reminding them that joy is always within reach.
9. The Way We Show Love Without Words
A knowing glance, a gentle touch on the hand, a plate of food left on the counter just for them—these are all small acts of love our grandkids recognize, even if we don’t realize we’re doing them. Whether it’s knitting them a scarf, packing their favorite snacks, or making sure their favorite blanket is always washed and ready, these tiny gestures mean the world to them.
10. How We Listen
When they tell us about their day, their dreams, or their problems, they notice if we put down our knitting or turn off the TV to truly listen. They may not mention it, but they feel valued and loved when we give them our full attention. They remember the way we nod along, the way we offer words of encouragement, and the way we let them express themselves without judgment.
11. The Traditions We Keep
Whether it’s Sunday dinners, holiday baking, or a special goodnight ritual, grandkids notice the traditions we hold dear. Even when they act indifferent at times, those routines become part of their own treasured memories. They remember the way we set the table during the holidays, how we always have their favorite pie ready for their birthday, or the silly songs we sing while washing dishes together.
12. Our Hands and the Work They’ve Done
Our hands, wrinkled with time and love, tell a story of everything we’ve built, cooked, and cared for. Grandkids notice the way our hands feel when we hold theirs, how we gently wipe their tears, or how we knead dough with ease. They see the years of experience in every quilt we sew, every meal we prepare, and every button we mend.
13. The Way We Encourage Them
They remember the way we cheer at their school plays, clap the loudest at their soccer games, or proudly display their drawings on our refrigerators. Even when they’re unsure of themselves, they remember the way we believed in them wholeheartedly.
14. How We Say Goodbye
Goodbyes are always bittersweet, and grandkids take note of how we send them off. Whether it’s waving until their car is out of sight, slipping an extra cookie into their bag, or whispering, “Come back soon,” they hold onto those final moments tightly. They remember the lingering hugs and the way our eyes shine with love as we watch them go.
Grandkids may not always tell us what they notice, but they do see and remember the smallest details about us. The way we live, love, and carry ourselves leaves an imprint on their hearts. And one day, when they’re older, they’ll find themselves reminiscing about all the little things we never even thought twice about.
