Mimi & T (age 3) hanging out
What is it that differentiates Boomers as grandparents in the 21st century than that of our parents generation? It’s not love….there’s no question our parents loved our children as intensely as we love our grandkids. No doubt varying degrees of intensity exist on that front for both generations. Boomer grandparents are helping out in their grandchildren’s classrooms, cooking and traveling together….just as they did in when our kids were little.
The two major differences I see are attitude, and connectivity. Boomer grandparents seem to emote a more youthful attitude towards this chapter in their lives. Entering into the sublime world of grand-parenting no longer carries a connotation of old, gray, and immobile. Boomer grandparents are embracing the title. (though what exact title they’re choosing is often a hot topic!) Nanas, or Mimi’s, Pops or grandpas can be found riding Harleys, participating in triathlons, attending college, changing careers, morphing into political activists, picketing, attending rock concerts, hiking, biking and Skyping with their grandkids. We’re not just “visiting” or “babysitting”, we’re actively connecting and participating in their lives.
