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Grandkids have a way of building up these grand (and sometimes hilarious) ideas about what it’s like to have grandparents. Whether it’s from cartoons, books, or just their own little imaginations running wild, they often expect us to be like the fairy-tale version of grandparents—constantly baking cookies, full of endless wisdom, and always ready for an adventure.
Now, do we love them to pieces? Absolutely. Do we always meet their expectations? Well… not quite! Sometimes, what they expect from us and what actually happens are two very different things.
So let’s have some fun and take a look at the expectations vs. realities that grandkids often encounter when spending time with us.
1. Expectation: Grandma’s House is a Magical Candy Store 🍬
Reality: The Cookie Jar Might Be Empty, and Fruit is a Snack Too!
Many grandkids picture our homes as wonderlands of sweets and treats—fresh cookies magically appearing from the oven, candy in every drawer, and an endless supply of ice cream in the freezer. They believe visiting Grandma’s house means eating dessert before dinner and never having to hear the word vegetables.
But reality? Some of us are watching our sugar intake, and we’re not about to let them get a stomachache under our watch! Sure, we might have treats now and then, but we also have fruit, and sometimes that’s the only option they’re getting. (Yes, dear, an apple is a snack. And no, it’s not covered in caramel.)
2. Expectation: Grandparents Will Say Yes to Everything 🎉
Reality: We Still Have Rules (and We’re in Cahoots with Your Parents!)
Oh, they think we’re the ultimate rule-breakers, the rebels who will let them stay up late, eat cake for breakfast, and skip homework. After all, isn’t that what grandparents are for?
But surprise! We actually enforce bedtime, limit screen time, and—gasp!—sometimes even say “no.” And worse (for them), we might just call their parents to double-check before agreeing to something. The truth is, we want to be the fun grandparents, but we also want to raise responsible little humans.
3. Expectation: Grandpa is a Storytelling Legend 📖
Reality: Sometimes Grandpa Forgets the Ending
Kids expect their grandpa to be a wise old storyteller who can spin the most exciting, detailed tales of adventure. They picture a storyteller who remembers every part, with voices for each character and a thrilling conclusion.
Reality? Sometimes Grandpa starts a story and forgets where he was going with it. Or he’s told the same story so many times that they realize halfway through, Wait a minute, Grandpa… didn’t you already tell this one?
But hey, that’s just part of the charm.
4. Expectation: Grandparents Can Fix Anything 🛠️
Reality: We Can Fix Some Things… But YouTube Helps, Too!
When something breaks—be it a toy, a remote-controlled car, or their heart over a lost balloon—grandkids assume that we have all the skills to make it right.
Truth be told, some of us are quite handy, but even we need a little help sometimes. Ever seen a grandparent secretly watching a “How to Fix a Toy” video before confidently acting like we knew it all along? That’s a real thing. We’ll never admit it, though!
5. Expectation: Grandma Knows How to Use Every Gadget 📱
Reality: We Still Get Confused by Some Buttons
Kids assume we can navigate phones, tablets, and gaming systems as easily as they can. “Just press this, Grandma!” they say, not realizing we’re staring at a screen full of tiny icons, unsure what any of them mean.
They don’t understand why we take so long to type a text message or why we answer video calls with the camera pointed at the ceiling. (Listen, we’re trying, okay?)
6. Expectation: Every Visit is a Non-Stop Adventure 🌟
Reality: Sometimes We Just Want to Nap
They imagine every visit filled with zoo trips, baking marathons, and movie nights. While we do enjoy making memories with them, sometimes we just want to sit in our comfy chair with a cup of tea and let them entertain themselves for a bit.
We love them dearly, but we’re not cruise directors!
7. Expectation: Grandparents are Always Patient and Calm 🧘
Reality: We Have Our Limits!
Yes, we’ve learned patience over the years. But if they’ve spilled juice on the couch again or asked the same question for the 20th time, we just might raise an eyebrow and give “The Look.”
And when we say, “Enough is enough,” we mean it.
8. Expectation: Every Gift from Grandma is Handmade with Love 🎁
Reality: Sometimes It’s Store-Bought and That’s Okay
Hand-knit sweaters, homemade quilts, jars of homemade jam—our grandkids think every gift comes straight from our loving hands.
The truth? Sometimes we grab a gift card on the way to their house and call it a day. Love doesn’t always come wrapped in yarn!
9. Expectation: Grandparents Have Endless Energy 🚀
Reality: We Have to Pace Ourselves
They expect us to run around the park for hours, dance to loud music, and keep up with their high-energy antics.
Reality check: We know our limits. After a few rounds of tag, we’re ready to sit down while they run circles around us.
10. Expectation: We Remember Every Birthday, Favorite Color, and School Event 🎂
Reality: Sometimes We Need a Little Reminder
They think we have their entire lives memorized—birthdays, favorite foods, which sport they’re into this month.
Truthfully? Sometimes we need a little nudge from their parents to keep track. Not because we don’t care, but because there’s a lot to remember!
The Most Important Reality: We Love Them More Than Anything 💕
At the end of the day, expectations and reality may not always match, but one thing is certain—our grandkids will always have our love, even if we don’t live up to their wildest dreams.
Maybe we don’t bake cookies every day. Maybe we aren’t tech geniuses. Maybe we aren’t as energetic as they expect.
But we are always there to support them, comfort them, and remind them that they are cherished beyond words. And isn’t that the most important reality of all?
