During Thanksgiving break, we were lucky enough to have all of our kids and grandkids under one roof. The days were filled with classic Grandma activities—craft projects, outings, games, and a little bit of happy chaos.
Then Grandpa decided it was time for Grandpa Day.
From morning to night, the schedule was packed with full-on Grandpa School—his kind of fun, his kind of rules, and memories they’ll be talking about long after the leftovers were gone.
SCORPIONS
Grandpa is known for handling scorpions. He teaches kids how to catch them, care for them, and even EAT them. He has taught survival skills and has done Fear Factor type games to teach kids to overcome their fears and try new things. It is great mission prep for the youth.
He brought these skills to his grandkids. They did not eat them though. But they learned how to see them in the dark with a black light. They glow like toys. It is pretty cool.
Idaho scorpions are not dangerous. They have a sting similar to a bee sting. Nobody has ever been stung during these activities. He teaches them how to not get stung.
RATTLESNAKES
Next came grandpas rattlesnake hunting adventures. He had several rattlesnake skins and rattles. He even had a whole frozen rattle snake. Nothing live.
The kids examined them like priceless treasures. Grandpa told stories and how to handle if they ever encountered rattlesnakes.
AXE THROWING
He taught them how to safely throw axes. This takes a lot of patience and strict rules, but they all handled themselves well. He loves to teach this skill because the success rate is so high and it builds confidence. He has built all the bullseyes and teaches this skill to several youth groups all year long.
“Doing dangerous things safely” is his theme.
DRIVING THE LANDCRUISER
Yes, you read that correctly. He had the kids take turns driving in his landcruiser. Do not be too alarmed. He buckles them in and puts it into a very slow gear and they can drive it.
CHOPPER BIKES
He pulled out a chopper bike he made in a previous session of grandpa school. He took an old trike and had the kids help weld it into a fun new chopper.
FIRE STARTING
The day ended with a lesson on flint and steel. The kids learned to start fires. They can now compete with contestants on survivor. They started a bonfire and roasted marshmallows.
Everyone had a very fun day!
Let grandpa take a day at your house to teach things he enjoys. Every grandpa is different but the kids will love this time with him.
We live in a very different world than when I was raising my kids in the ’90s. Back then, you could buckle a baby into a car seat with one hand, toss them a bag of Cheerios, and call it a day. These days? Oh no. There are entire college courses devoted to the proper angle of a chest clip.
So much has changed when it comes to taking care of little ones — from car seats that look like they were designed by NASA to toddlers who can swipe before they can talk. Most of these updates are for the better (safety and sanity are good things!), but it can feel like we need a certification just to babysit. So here’s your quick Grandma School crash course on how to keep up.
🚗 Car Seats: They even have an expiration date!
Sure, we had car seats in the ’90s — but let’s be honest, some of them looked suspiciously like folding chairs with straps. The rule now? Rear-facing as long as humanly possible. Basically until the kid can drive themselves to college.
If you’re spending more than an hour or two a week with your grandkids, it’s time to invest in your own car seat. And listen carefully — go to the store and actually try the buckles. I’m not kidding. Buckling one of these things is like trying to fasten a seatbelt on a wiggly octopus. You’ll thank yourself later for finding one you can manage without throwing out your shoulder.
And here’s my number one, back-saving, sanity-protecting piece of advice: get a rotating car seat. It spins toward you when you’re buckling them in, so you’re not doing a half-yoga, half-wrestling move every time you go somewhere. Yes, they’re pricey — but so was your last chiropractor visit.
Bonus Hack: If your grandbaby is still in an infant carrier, get one of those car seat strollers — the kind where the car seat clicks right into a stroller base. That way, you can go from car to store to park without ever unstrapping the baby. It’s like a luggage trolley for humans. Honestly, whoever invented it deserves a medal and a nap.
There have been studies coming out the past few years about the dangers of screen time in infants. Their brain development can be altered. However, let’s be honest — screen time isn’t part of my parenting philosophy, it’s part of my emergency plan.
When I’m outnumbered and out of patience, sometimes the only thing standing between me and total meltdown (mine or theirs) is a screen. Sometimes if I am in a store, a restaurant, or other places that kids commonly have meltdowns, I will pull out a screen.
I stick with the calm, classic stuff: Super Simple Songs, Daniel Tiger, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, and Bluey. They’re gentle, predictable, and don’t make me want to throw the iPad out the window.
So no, I don’t promote screen time. But I do believe in survival. And sometimes, survival looks like a talking tiger teaching emotional regulation while I finally sit down for five quiet minutes.
🥕 Snacks: The Organic Overhaul
Remember when “snack time” meant a sleeve of saltines and a can of 7-Up? Yeah, those days are over. Now every snack is an event. You’ll hear phrases like “nut-free,” “gluten-sensitive,” and “refined sugar alternatives” — all while your grandchild begs for Goldfish and fruities. The rules on food among moms changes daily.
Don’t panic. You don’t need to own a dehydrator or make homemade oat balls shaped like bunnies. Just check with the parents about any allergies, then find something simple and safe. Applesauce pouches are your new best friend. If the parents want more nutritious snacks, don’t be a brat about it. Have respect for their wishes and put the red dye away. Annie’s brand has some pretty healthy snacks.
Back in the ’90s, we put babies to sleep however they’d actually sleep. Stomach, side, swing, car seat — didn’t matter. These days, the phrase “safe sleep” has its own legal department.
Remember when bumper pads were a thing? Like, you HAD to have them. The rule now is flat surface, firm mattress, on their back, nothing in the crib. Not even a blanket. Now the babies are put in sleep sacks. That’s their blanket. Think baby minimalism.
With that being said, tummy time is also important. I have six grandchildren, and not one of them has ever been on board with it. Every single one acted like I had personally betrayed them the moment I set them face-down on a blanket.
But as much as they protest, it’s a big deal for brain and body development — it helps strengthen their neck, shoulders, and little baby muscles.
I just find it ironic that they’re not allowed to sleep on their tummies, but we’re told it’s crucial for them to play on their tummies. Basically, it’s: “Never let them sleep that way! But please, make them suffer through it during waking hours.” Parenting (and grandparenting) rules are wild.
This invention is literally a lifesaver. These tiny smart socks and monitors track a baby’s heartbeat and oxygen levels, and alert parents if something seems wrong. One of life’s cruelest turns is the risk a baby faces while sleeping — and that fear is real.
I personally knew five babies who died from sudden infant death. It’s something that never leaves you.
Devices like the Owlet don’t erase that risk, but they do help ease some of the worry. It’s amazing how far we’ve come — from tiptoeing in to check if the baby’s breathing, to now being able to glance at an app and see they’re safe. Technology has its frustrations, but this one? This one feels like grace.
📸 Managing Photos: The Digital Avalanche (and My Photo Curse)
When my kids were little, we had to buy film, take 24 pictures, and hope one turned out. Now? Parents take 24 pictures of the same moment — just to decide which one has the best lighting. Every blink, burp, and toe wiggle is documented in portrait mode, uploaded to a cloud, and shared with a 47-person family chat.
I’ll be honest — I have what I can only describe as a photo curse.
The first time it struck was at Disneyland. I had a brand-new camera, fully charged, ready to capture every moment. The second we walked through those magical gates — click — it died. Just shut off. Never turned back on. So we bought disposable cameras at Disneyland prices (which, if you’ve never done it, feels like financing a small car).
Then it happened again at the Louvre in Paris. Same story. Walked in, camera stopped working. So instead of photos, we came home with a gift shop book — which, honestly, had much better lighting than anything I would’ve taken.
At this point, I’ve accepted that managing photos just isn’t my thing. I love seeing my grandkids’ pictures, but I can’t keep up with the nonstop albums and “memories” notifications. Photos stress me out. I’d rather just live the moment — curse and all.
📱 Posting Photos: The One Rule You Can’t Bend
You’ve probably heard of social media rules — the ones that say what grandparents can and can’t post online. And here’s the truth: this isn’t a suggestion, a debate, or a “well, I only have a few followers” situation.
This is a rule.
You do exactly what the parents ask — every time. No exceptions.
If they say no photos online, it’s no photos.
If they say only in private albums, then that’s the rule.
You might roll your eyes a little, but you follow it.
So keep learning, and remember: you don’t have to know every rule to be the world’s best grandma — you just have to show up and love them like crazy.
It’s not about control — it’s about respect. These are their kids, and they’re raising them in a world where digital footprints start before kids can even walk. The parents get to decide what’s shared, not Grandma School.
And honestly? One less thing for us to manage online sounds great to me.
🔄 When the Rules Change Again (and They Will)
Here’s another modern parenting reality: the rules will change — often. What’s “allowed” on Monday might be “absolutely not” by Friday.
Don’t take it personally. Parents today are constantly bombarded with new information — safety updates, parenting trends, the latest “expert” advice on everything from pacifiers to pajamas. They’re trying to make the best choices they can with what they know today.
Our job is simple: respect their wishes, every time. Even when it feels inconsistent or confusing. Even when you quietly think, we survived just fine without all this.
Because what they really need from us — more than advice or opinions — is support. A grandma who rolls with it. Who says, “Got it,” and means it.
And if tomorrow they reverse course again? Smile, adjust, and remind yourself: we raised them. They can handle this.
Please comment some of the changes you have seen in child rearing. I would love to hear from you.
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October is my birthday month, and maybe that’s part of why I love it so much. By the time it rolls around, everyone’s ready to celebrate — the weather feels cozy, the decorations come out, and there’s a little magic in the air.
Navigating fall and Halloween as a grandparent has been a bit of a learning curve. There are so many activities available now for kids to do! Pumpkin patches can include a corn maze, giant balloon tents shaped like lizards, and other adventures spread out across a farm. There are more activities at our fingertips than ever — libraries, the zoo, and all sorts of kid-friendly places host fun events. Craft stores are full of cute décor and creative ideas to try with the grandkids.
As I’ve gotten older, walking outside at night isn’t quite as fun for me anymore — luckily, the parents handle that part! I like to have my house open for all my family on Halloween night. We usually make our own pizza (or order it), play some games, and take lots of photos. Sometimes we carve pumpkins. Sometimes the parents take over that part.
Here are ten of my favorite ways to celebrate Halloween as a grandparent:
1. 🍕 Have a Family Pizza and Game Night
Keep things simple and fun by gathering everyone at your house on Halloween night. Order pizza, bring out a few games, and enjoy the laughter as the kids come and go in their costumes.
Here is a link to my Spooky Bingo game. Good for all ages! You can use candy corn for the markers.
This always ends up being a blast. We have kid sized rakes and also these amazing hand rakes. I love these!
For some reason photos of raking leaves always come out so good! Next time you go out to rake as a “chore”, consider inviting your grandkids to join. They love doing this!
I love these hand rakes. Life saver for my back! They scoop up the leaves.
3. 🌋 Pumpkin Planting, Picking, Carving and Decorating
Some years I plant a garden. When I do, I have the grandkids plant pumpkins. They are pretty easy to grow and are a crowd favorite! Of course, you have to start doing this in the spring! They can help take care of the plants.
Add Slime and Make Volcanoes
Carving pumpkins at our house usually includes volcanoes and slime .
For volcano, just pour in some baking soda, then add vinegar and food coloring — and your pumpkin will erupt! I keep a LOT of baking soda and vinegar on hand for volcanoes all year round. Apple volcanoes in September, pumpkin in October.anything that will hold baking soda and vinegar with an open top or sides can work as your volcano. Maybe sometime I’ll get creative and do Twelve Months of Volcanoes. Stay tuned
Another thing the kids love is adding slime to their jack-o’-lanterns. It’s messy, silly, and completely irresistible.
One of our favorite Halloween traditions is tossing the pumpkins off the balcony! 🎃 It’s messy, but it sure beats leaving those jack-o’-lanterns to slowly collapse into mush while you’re stringing up Christmas lights. (Not that I’d know anything about that. 😬) The best part? The lawn gets a little pumpkin compost, your HOA stays happy, and your grandkids end up with some core memories — worth every splattered pumpkin chunk!
He planted this pumpkin himself, picked it, carved it, and slimed it with slime he made himself. He’s kinda like the Little Red Hen of Pumpkinland.
4. Apple Picking
This starts in September and early October where we live but I am including it because it is a lot of fun. Find a local You Pick apple orchard. We have our own apple tree so we like to pick the apples and make fresh pressed apple juice. Delicious!
The juicer I use is about 40 years old. It is an Acme brand juicer. They do not make these anymore. I did some research and this one is the top rated that I could find.
Breville Juice Fountain Cold Plus Brushed Stainless Steel BJE530BSS: 1000W Electric Juicer, 2 Speeds, Dishwasher-Safe Parts
There’s something special about letting the grandkids help with Halloween decorations. Whether it’s hanging paper bats, putting up orange lights, or setting out pumpkins, they love being part of making the house festive.
Kids are easy to please. You do not have to have a ton of stuff. They will get excited about just a few fun pieces.
Decorating is a lot of fun. My grandkids enjoy giant spiders on people’s houses, funny skeletons, the outdoor blow-up characters, and scarecrows. I really don’t like the scary and gory themed decorations. I like spooky — not downright horrifying and disgusting. Hardware stores are almost impossible to go in this time of year with little ones. The decorations they sell get bigger and scarier every year, definitely marketed to a more masculine target market.
I like smiling ghosts and monsters. Not the “scary clown” type smiles — the cute, cartoon-like smiles.
I have this little set that my grandson pulls out every year. He plays with it and pretends they’re trick-or-treaters at my door. Then he hides while I answer. They’re getting pretty beat up, but he still loves them.
Trick or Treat!
There’s also a house down the road that always hangs a giant spider in their window. We have to walk down and look at it several times during the season — it’s become part of our tradition.
Halloween has become its own season — much like Christmas. It’s not just about the night itself anymore. People decorate, hang lights, listen to Halloween songs, and soak up that cozy, spooky feeling all month long.
6. 📚 Explore Community Activities
Pumpkin patches, the zoo, libraries, and even craft stores have wonderful Harvest and Halloween events . It’s fun to see what’s going on locally and pick an outing to do together.
Screenshot
7. 🍪 Make or Bake Something Together
Cooking or baking with grandkids always makes a mess — and a memory. Try sugar cookies, pumpkin muffins, or anything they can decorate.
I have included a little snack we made for a preschool party one year. The kids can help with this and it has no baking required.
Melted chocolate chips, giant marshmallows, eye sprinkles and candy pumpkins. Kids can assemble most or all of these with help. Super easy. They started out as ghosts but the chocolate would get more and more dipped into so they are goblins? Maybe?
8. 🧸 Decorate Toys Instead of Treats
These were actually done at Christmas time. But you get the idea I hope. .
If you want to skip the sugar (and the cleanup), try decorating toys instead! Gather small toys like Fisher-Price Little People, LEGO figures, or animal figurines and turn them into funny little monsters. You can use Halloween-themed sprinkles, icing or washable glue, googly eyes, felt scraps, or stickers to dress them up. It’s silly, creative, and doesn’t leave you with a sugar hangover. Just wash them when you’re done. I like to clean out my pantry with this activity. Old stale stuff and the last of sprinkles.
Bingo is something all ages can enjoy without too much effort.
There are 12 unique boards andcalling cards. To play short version, only use one sheet of calling cards. For long version, use all the calling cards.
10. ✏️ Try My Halloween Activity Book
Grandma School Presents Halloween Activity Book: For Kids
I put together a Halloween Activity Book for Kids, available on Amazon! It’s filled with counting stories, mazes, dot-to-dots, coloring pages, a memory game, and other fun fall activities. You can write directly in the book or make copies for extra fun.
For every grandma who’s ever lost her phone under a pile of toys or wondered how a whole morning could last forever — this one’s for you.
Being a stay-at-home grandma is a deeply rewarding role, but it’s also isolating, physically exhausting, and often difficult.
The experience is defined by a strange elasticity of time. The mornings warp and stretch — it feels like a whole day has passed between 9 and 10 a.m. as we build towers, read the same book, and serve the same snack. Somehow, only minutes have gone by.
Then, when I’m alone, time slips through my fingers. I’ll scroll my phone for a few minutes, and suddenly it’s noon. I can lose an entire hour at Costco, standing in one aisle comparing storage containers I’ll buy but never get around to using.
The Physical Toll and the Toy Ecosystem
The older I get, the more tired I feel. It’s harder to keep up, to pick up, and to tidy up. My knees ache when I crawl on the floor, and my back hurts from lifting little bodies that grow heavier every month.
I used to power through days like this, but now I pace myself. My energy comes in shorter bursts, but my patience runs deeper. I move slower, but I notice more — their sense of humor, their tiny hands, the way time folds itself around these small, ordinary moments.
“Sitting down to play the game they just invented matters far more than having a clean house.”
Finding fun things to do is a daily challenge. I gather supplies for a promising activity, convinced they’ll play for hours. Ten minutes later, they’re done, and I’m left with a sticky, glittery mess of shaving cream or kinetic sand.
Conversely, they’ll find something random — a piece of cardboard with tape stuck to it — and play with it for hours, even days, insisting it comes everywhere with us and rides safely in its own car seat.
The house feels like it’s closing in on me. There are so many toys. So much gear. Paint, markers, water toys, and stuffies pile up and spread out into countless containers (those Costco bins I mentioned earlier become toy boxes I plan to organize later — and never do).
Ground-up fish crackers and fruit snacks embedded in the carpet become normal. “Washable” markers that really aren’t leave permanent scribbles on the walls and furniture.
And then there’s the constant losing of everything I just had — my phone, the remote, shoes, wipes, my water bottle. It’s all here somewhere. It always is.
Navigating Social Life and New Rules
Trying to socialize with other parents of young children is a special kind of awkward. Grandmas are a bit invisible at parks and playgrounds, and when you’re trying to help your grandchild make friends, invisibility is an obstacle.
I push myself. I look for playgroups, go to the park, and show up for storytime, all while trying to quiet the social anxiety that tells me to stay home. I remind myself I’m doing it for their sake. And every once in a while, I meet someone — usually much younger, or another grandma — who becomes a real friend. It’s rare, but it happens.
Socializing with existing friends is tricky. I always have my little sidekick (or sidekicks) with me. Going to lunch means bringing them along or waiting for a “day off.” And on those days, I usually end up trying to catch up on everything else. There isn’t a lot of room for socializing.
The rules are also different now. When my kids were little, we thought nothing of leaving a sleeping child in a locked car while we ran in to pay for gas. We didn’t have drive-through coffee shops on every corner. Now there are entire aisles of monitors, specialized sippy cups, and car seat laws that feel like rocket science.
No bumper pads. No blankets. Tummy time is important — but don’t let them sleep on their tummy. Everything has changed.
Simple Joys and Self-Preservation
In the middle of all this chaos, I try to find small ways to keep myself sane.
My hobbies come and go like Taylor Swift eras — crocheting, audiobooks, and lately, macarons. I taught myself how to make them, and now it’s a full-blown obsession. It’s a finicky craft, and maybe that’s why I love it.
I’m also learning Spanish to keep my brain from turning to applesauce. Most evenings, my husband and I unwind with reality TV, sinking into our pillows with that quiet, shared relief that comes after a long day.
The Benefit of Time in a Less Hurried World
One thing I do have now is time.
I can sit and hold a child while they listen to music for as long as they want. I can let them dig for treasure in the dirt, get dirty, and live unhurried.
Time still crawls for me some days, but I know they’re blessed by this slower rhythm — one my own children didn’t always get to have with me.
The Two-Fold Love
I also have grandchildren who live far away — the ones I don’t get to see nearly as often as I’d like. I watch them grow through photos and FaceTime calls and carry a quiet guilt, knowing I give more of myself to the ones who live close simply because I can.
Traveling alone is difficult for me, so I pour into the ones I’m with every day. When I do see the others, every moment feels like a gift.
It’s hard to reconcile these two kinds of relationships — one lived daily, the other from a distance — but all of them are loved fiercely.
“Two kinds of love: the daily kind, and the distant kind. Both deep, both real.”
A Slow, Messy Miracle
I have the sacred privilege of a front-row seat to watch these children grow up — to see their imaginations and personalities take shape in real time. I can’t think of anything else that would bring me this much joy or contentment.
It’s a sacrifice of my time. The days can be difficult. I dream of doing things I enjoy without kids attached to me. The mornings crawl. The tired sets in. The boredom screams. The muscles ache.
Bluey plays on a loop long after the toys are put away — the soundtrack of a life both exhausting and beautiful.
And yet, when I look back, I see it for what it is — a slow, messy miracle. Worth every long, daunting, beautiful second.
To spend my days in the thick of childhood one more time with the children I love; to be this tired, this needed, and this deeply loved — it’s a gift few people get.
When my grandson was born, I was working as a substitute teacher. I had spent years in classrooms and lunchrooms all over the district, getting to know teachers, principals, and especially special ed programs. One school stood out—it had the best staff, a wonderful principal, and an incredible special ed team.
My daughter wanted to work in special education too, and when a full-time position opened at that school, she stepped right in. That’s when I made a big decision: instead of continuing to work, I would become the baby’s daycare. I wanted to be the one to care for him.
It was an adjustment—giving up my job, changing my daily routines—but it was one of the best choices I’ve ever made.
Adjusting to Grandma Caregiving
Taking care of a child full time again was different this time around. Parents today have new tools—bottle warmers, formula makers, pouches of food, better diapers, easier baby clothes. Some things were simpler, but other things were harder.
The biggest adjustment? Realizing that as the grandma, there isn’t really a backup plan. If I need time off, it affects everyone—my daughter, her students, and my son-in-law’s job. It took time, patience, and flexibility, but we found a rhythm.
From “Playing Talk” to Crew
When my grandson was a toddler, he wanted constant interaction. He wasn’t a “sit and watch a show” kind of kid—he wanted my attention, my input, my voice.
One day we started using stuffed animals to make up little conversations. He called it playing talk. He loved it. We made up stories, gave the animals names and personalities, and built little worlds together.
During COVID, he even insisted all the stuffed animals needed masks. So we carefully taped tissue-paper masks on every one of them. It was our way of coping with a strange world.
Covid may have kept the world apart, but in our living room, every stuffed friend stayed safe with their masks—even if social distancing wasn’t their strong suit.
Then one day, after earning a toy from the store, he brought home a pack of Fisher-Price Little People superheroes. He called them the crew. That name stuck.
From then on, crew was our special game.
The World of Crew
Our crew grew to include superheroes, babies named Goo Goo and Gaga, Disney characters, and more. Each one had a role and a personality. The stories were endless.
Silent but mighty—Goo Goo and Ga Ga always packed a punch
There were villains, too—like Sunny, a squishy sun toy whose eye popped out when squeezed. Sunny was usually good, but sometimes he turned bad, freezing or hiding the crew. My grandson would always explain why the bad guys acted out—because they never had friends, or didn’t have enough food, or felt left out. In the end, the crew always made peace and welcomed them in.
These weren’t just games. They were creative, imaginative stories. It felt like we were making art together.
The Bond We Built
Looking back, I realize that those moments were some of the most creative and joyful times of my life. The bond I formed with my grandson during those long afternoons of crew is unlike anything I could have imagined.
Just a few months ago, my grandson, who is school age now, was talking to his parents.
“Mom, dad…I have something to tell you that’s very important.”
“Okay. What is it?” They asked.
“When grandma and I started Crew, it was life changing. It was really important. It changed our lives.” He was right. It changed OUR lives.
“One Piece“. Art Imitating Life Imitating Art.
About a year ago, my two sons convinced my husband and me to start watching the anime show One Piece. With nearly 1,200 episodes, it felt like an impossible challenge — but to our surprise, it quickly became one of our favorite parts of the day. What would normally have been an easy “no” turned into a cherished family ritual.
I’ll be honest — One Piece isn’t an easy watch. The episodes stretch on with seemingly endless battle scenes. The women are drawn with exaggerated proportions and scant clothing, a stark contrast to the wide variety of male characters. The animation is quirky, and at times the volume feels turned up to extreme. And yet… this show is pure gold.
What makes it shine is the storytelling. It reminded me of the way my grandson and I invented stories with our “Crew” of toys — full of boyish charm, wild imagination, and heart. Watching One Piece opened my eyes to a kind of art I would never have appreciated otherwise. Now, I don’t hesitate to say it: One Piece is one of the greatest stories ever told.
My Calling as a Grandma
Over the years, I’ve watched my grandson grow, then his little sister after him, and now another grandson part time. I also have three more granddaughters that live in another state. That requires an extra level of navigation so I can spend time with them. I’ve had to sacrifice hobbies, free time, and even parts of my independence. But I wouldn’t trade it. I see this role as my calling—something the Lord has asked me to do in this season of life. And the blessings have been incredible.
Red, White and Blue Crew! We had to photoshop some family into this. That’s why they look like they are disappearing.
Not every family has this option, and not every grandparent is able to do it. But for me, it worked. And it gave my grandchildren a gift I believe is better than daycare: a bond of love and security that will last their whole lives.
An Invitation to Other Grandmas
So that’s the story of Crew. What started with stuffed animals and Little People turned into one of the most magical, creative, and meaningful times of my life.
Do you have your own version of crew? A special game, story, or world you’ve built with your grandchildren? I would love to hear about it. Let’s share these stories and remind the world that grandmas matter—and that what we do is truly important.
Contains affiliate links where I can earn commission at no extra cost to you When you’re a full-time grandma like me, you quickly learn what works and what doesn’t. Grandma School runs on creativity, messes, and lots of Grandma Gear. Over the years with my grandkids, these ten things have proven to be absolute essentials:
1. A Play Table Instead of a Coffee Table
It took a few years for me to discover how useful this would be. We had a coffee table that I really liked, and I was a bit stubborn about it. Unfortunately, it had sharp edges and I was worried someone would cut their head open if they fell on it. We had to put foam guards around the edges.
A few years ago, my nephew came through town as he and his family were moving to another state. He asked me if I would like a play table that he had built with his grandpa, my dad. His kids had outgrown it. I agreed to take it and am so glad I did!
The table is the height of a coffee table. It is just painted white, nothing fancy. It is built so well, very sturdy, nice smooth rounded edges.
One of my favorite things about this table is the raised edges. Those little borders around the top keep crayons, blocks, puzzle pieces, and all the tiny treasures from sliding right off onto the floor. At Grandma School, that’s a lifesaver. It turns the table into a contained play space—almost like a giant tray—so the kids can spread out their projects without me chasing runaway pieces across the rug. I cannot overstress how helpful this is.
The table opens up and has four sliding tops to choose from all contained inside. There is a chalkboard, and the rest are just painted white. They were meant to have scenes painted on them. You could also make a Lego base, a whiteboard, train tracks, etc. We just keep ours on white. Sometimes my grandson likes to pull out the chalkboard and play with it on its own.
This table was designed by my dad and nephew, but there are a few options available online.
Take it from me—washable is the only way to go. Kids want color. Bright, bold, every-color-in-the-rainbow kind of color. After enough disasters (the kind that still haunt a few of my walls), I made a firm rule: only washable paints, markers, and crayons come through the door. Thankfully, there’s a huge selection on Amazon, so we’re never short on creative supplies.
These are the ones I have used for years. They don’t completely come out of clothing without a little scrubbing. I was told that mixing it with a bit of Dawn dish soap is helpful. I tried it and it really did work?
Silpat mats and rimmed cookie sheets are Grandma School essentials. They turn any table into a mess-friendly workspace—perfect for kinetic sand, paints, slime, glue, etc. Everything stays on the tray, and when we’re done, I just lift, rinse, and we’re back to clean in a minute.
I use these in baking too. I don’t use the same ones. For baking my favorites are these. For grandma school a basic cheap set works.
My baking sheets. I like them for grandma school because they are sturdy. I use them new for baking, then the old ones go to the grandma gear cabinet.
4. A Water Table and Pump
There’s something about water that keeps kids endlessly entertained. Cups, spoons, and a little pump turn into whole afternoons of fun. The water table was from Costco. It did not come with a pump. Someone suggested that I buy one for it. You can get them on Amazon. Originally they were made for water coolers but they work for playtime too. The one I have now is made for water tables. It’s nice because the hose is attached to the side and not the bottom of the pump. This makes it easier to set up. They are inexpensive and rechargeable. Keeping the water circulating brings an extra layer of fun.
Sometimes I will use the pump inside. My grandson likes like to play in the sink with the running water. This is a good alternative so I don’t waste water and minimize the mess.
Imagination blooms here. I’ve watched my grandkids create whole worlds, stories, and even arguments between dolls—it’s pure magic. Boys and girls enjoy it equally. I also love a nice set of dolls for the dollhouse. Well made dolls are worth the extra money.
Ah, Little People. The official mascot of Grandma School. My grandson and I go way back with these, and I’ll share more of that story in a future post. I remember the ones I had when I was little, which makes playing with them now feel extra special. There’s just something about these cheerful little figures—they’re sturdy, timeless, and they spark the kind of pretend play kids never tire of. Honestly, I’d buy every set they make. They’re a true Grandma School favorite, and I absolutely love them.
Soft, squishy, calming—and it never dries out. Hours of fun, guaranteed. I have many different kinds of sand and rotate through the sets. My biggest recommendation is to not mix the sets together. The sand is made differently and mixing colors or brands just kind of ruins it. It globs together and doesn’t work right.
Do not be afraid of the mess. It is not like real sand. It’s soft and not gritty. It is easy to clean. Trust me on this.
This is where the magic happens: white vinegar, glue, Elmer’s Magical Liquid, dish soap, shaving cream, and washable paint. Add a little curiosity, and suddenly you’ve got foam volcanoes, bubbling potions, or the perfect slime. These are the building blocks of science experiments. You can use borax and contact solution in place of the magical liquid.
I like to buy glitter glue for the slime. Sometimes you can find it at the dollar store way cheaper than at craft stores. So much better than adding glitter. Much less mess.
For the shaving cream you want to get unscented foam. Not gel. You can also find this at the dollar store. I don’t have kids play with this until they are at least 3. It is irritating to the skin.
I color the slime with washable paint and not food coloring. Works just as well with less mess.
9. Your Own Gear
I keep my own car seats installed in my car, and it has been a game-changer. I highly recommend the rotating car seats—they make getting infants in and out so much easier, and your back will thank you later. I also keep a booster on hand for when I need it. Right now, I’ve got two car seats permanently set up, ready to go at a moment’s notice. It saves time, stress, and makes every pickup or outing so much easier.
I also have my own strollers, trikes, bikes, etc.
10. Deseret Industries (or Your Local Thrift Store)
Don’t underestimate the thrift store. I’ve found books, toys, costumes, and furniture that have become staples here. Half the fun is the treasure hunt. I have found our local Deseret industries to be the best overall. We have found quite a few treasures there.
The grands love to visit the thrift store. We visit the DI about twice a month.
Grandma School isn’t about perfection—it’s about building a place where the kids feel completely at home, and where I can enjoy the moments too. This list was created with full-time grandmas in mind—the ones caring for grandchildren day in and day out. These aren’t just “nice-to-haves”; they’re the essentials that have kept us busy, creative, and happy through the years.
Do you have anything to add to this list? Let me know in the comments!
Our family room is our playroom. This is easier for my lifestyle and the kids feel secure that I am always near.
For grandparents that are providing full time care while your kids work, it takes a shift in your mindset to make it work for everyone. This advice is for people who take care of children during the day full time. It is not for every grandparent. Those, like me, who have taken on this lifestyle might benefit from my guidance. It comes from 8+ years of full daytime child care.
A Lifestyle Shift
When I started Grandma School eight years ago, it quickly became more than an activity—it became a lifestyle. I had to rethink everything: how I decorated, how I got chores done, and how our home functioned day to day. Baby-proofing, toy storage, and a house sprinkled with handprints on windows and jelly smudges became the new normal. Accepting that shift made the transition much easier.
Creating a Play-Friendly Home My family room is now devoted to play. The coffee table is long gone, replaced by a sturdy play table (definitely a must-have). Bins of toys sit ready for curious hands, and a giant dollhouse anchors the space. At the moment, life is especially full with a three-year-old and a one-year-old under my care. That means extra clutter—like a crib right in the living room. It may not be picture-perfect, but this setup works best for us. I do have room for a separate play area, but I’ve found that keeping everything close at hand makes life run more smoothly.
Accepting the Mess Bottom line: accept the change, accept the mess, and accept the space toys take. When you do, your grandchildren feel more accepted and truly wanted in your home. They see it not as a place they’re just visiting, but as their “home away from home.” Setting Boundaries with Love
Yes, you can (and should) set boundaries and make them clear. But creating a space that welcomes kids—mess and all—helps them feel secure. They don’t have to tiptoe around, worried about breaking or ruining something. Instead, they can relax and be themselves.
The Payoff
I’ve found that embracing this mindset and modeling it for my grandchildren has deepened our relationship. They know they belong here. And while this shift can be a hard pill to swallow for some grandparents—it does require a changed mindset up front—the reward is worth it. In the end, your home becomes a safe, homey place where your grands feel truly at ease.
I keep a basket at front door of shoes, coats, tutus, and anything else a kid would need to go outside. I also leave the stroller up all week because it is hard for me to undo it every time. If stuff gets used, it isn’t clutter. It is gear. If things pile up that don’t get used, deal with them quickly. #accepttheclutter #embracethemess.
We invited about 125 people to celebrate Mom’s 90th birthday over Labor Day Weekend. Approximately 75 attendees traveled from as far as two states away! Family and friends joined in the celebration held in my backyard, which provided the perfect atmosphere for the evening. Live music, delicious food, and fun photos helped us celebrate our beloved mother.
For 75 people, we rented eight tables and chairs with white linens and gingham blue table runners. This gave the night a picnic vibe. Casual but elegant, like our mother. Flowers adorned the tables with hydrangeas, roses, sunflowers, wildflowers and greenery. I built the bouquets using market bunches from Albertsons. This cost me about $200 for 12 bouquets. A steal compared to going with a florist! I also decorated with floral banners, a giant 90, and some little birds in nests.
The highlight of the evening was the live music! When planning the party, I discovered a site called GigSalad, which is like a matchmaking service for entertainment and event services. You can search for musicians, comedians, face painters, magicians, DJs, photo booths, and just about any type of performer or party service imaginable. There were artists in several different price ranges that can fit any budget. I found a wonderful singer/guitar player who was perfect for the event. He really elevated the party, keeping everyone entertained while still allowing them to visit and enjoy the food. He sang for two hours, and it was the chef’s kiss of the party! I will always hire live music from now on; it elevates the evening to a fantastic, stunning experience.
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A macaron tower with five flavors. Choclate Brownie, butter pecan with dulce de leche center, peach cobbler, berry vanilla, and caramel apple. Click here for recipes and tutorial.
I did not get very good photos of the food but it was a success. We had a build your own sandwich and salad bar, and a selection of premade salads. The premade salads included an antipasto salad, classic potato salad, sour cream red potato salad, harvest grain salad, Hawaiian macaroni salad, Caesar salad, and a fresh fruit platter with dip. None of the food had to be cooked or warmed the day of the party. Everything was precut and ready to go.
Another time and money saver was getting a Costco sheet cake. They are delicious. Come in two flavors: vanilla with cheesecake filling and chocolate with a fluffy chocolate filling. We had one of each.
This giant marquee 90 was stunning! it was made from foam board from hobby lobby. We used these upcycled plantation blind frames to frame the numbers and strung some lights through. It really elevated the vibe of the party.
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This was my mom’s Honda Spree. She received this as a gift from my dad for her 50th birthday in 1985. She loved it and rode it around the neighborhood. It has been sitting in our garage for a few years and we decided to get it out and dust it off for the party. We had people take pictures with it and sent the pics to a qr code that displayed the photos on a tv we set up with Amazon photos. We also uploaded some old photos of mom. This added a nice, nostalgic touch to the even. The Spree is so cute and still looks very good. We just need to figure out how to get it running again.
Nine years ago, I offered to watch my grandkids during the day while their parents worked. What began as a simple offer has turned into one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. It’s been fun, challenging at times, but incredibly rewarding. The bond I’ve built with my grandkids is something I treasure deeply, and through the years I’ve learned so much — not only about caring for children again, but about myself.
Still, there have been moments I’ve wished for more support. As a grandma, it can be tricky to find your place among moms’ groups, even though more and more grandparents are stepping in to help with daily childcare. That’s why I created Grandma School: a warm, welcoming space to share ideas, offer encouragement, and build community with others like me. Together, we can celebrate the joy (and tackle the challenges) of raising little ones the second time around.
grandmaschool.com 