New to Grandma Life? Read These 20 Unfiltered and Beautifully Honest Tips from Seasoned Grandmas

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I asked, and you wonderful grandmas came through—just like always!

I’m usually the one sharing my own thoughts (whether they’re spot on or a little silly, haha), but this time I wanted to hear from you! So, I asked my fellow Grandmas: What advice would you give to a brand-new grandma? And wow—your answers were full of kindness, wisdom, and heart.

Whether you’re a first-time grandma or have a whole crew of grandkids, these sweet tips and tricks are worth reading. There’s something here for everyone.

(P.S. I love hearing from you! I ask fun questions like this in my newsletter, so if you haven’t joined yet, be sure to subscribe and share your voice too!)

"You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be present. Rock the baby, fold the laundry, make a sandwich—but mostly, just be there with love."

— Linda, North Carolina

"I used to think being a grandma meant spoiling them with gifts. Now I know it’s spoiling them with time—reading stories, painting rocks, picking dandelions. That’s the real magic."

— Marge, Iowa

"Let your kids parent their way. It’s hard, I know. But being a good grandma means cheering them on from the sidelines, not taking over the game."

— Donna, Oregon

"A cup of coffee, a gentle hug, and a 'You’re doing great, sweetheart'—that’s the kind of help a new mama really needs. Be her soft place to land."

— Shirley, Michigan

"Don’t rush the bond. Your grandbaby will get to know you in their own time. Just show up with love and patience—and maybe a silly song or two."

— Karen, Texas

"Offer help like you’d offer a warm blanket—gently and without smothering. Folding towels quietly in the background does more good than you’d think."

— Eleanor, Ohio

"Take pictures, but don’t forget to be in the moment too. Babies grow fast. Snuggle now, post later."

— Pat, Washington

"New parents already feel the pressure. Be the peace in their storm. Bite your tongue when needed and bring over a casserole—no commentary."

— June, Wisconsin

"I remind myself often: this is not my second chance at motherhood. This is my first chance at grandmotherhood—so I savor every sticky hug and silly giggle."

— Lois, Georgia

"Respect their routines, even if it’s not how we did things. And never underestimate the power of a freshly folded onesie and a ‘You’ve got this’."

— Betty, Pennsylvania

"Sometimes the best support is silent support. I sit close, hold the baby when asked, and remind my daughter that she’s stronger than she thinks."

— Marilyn, Kansas

"I learned quickly not to say, ‘Well, when I was a mom...’ It shuts the door. Instead, I ask, ‘What works best for you?’ and truly listen."

— Janice, Colorado

"One of the best things I did was write little notes of encouragement and tuck them into diaper bags and snack drawers. Small kindnesses matter."

— Phyllis, Tennessee

"Just because you're excited doesn't mean you have to be everywhere. Give them space, but let them know you’re close by when they’re ready."

— Sue, Minnesota

"You won’t get everything right, but that’s okay. They don’t need a perfect grandma—they need a present one. Show up, love big, and laugh often."

— Bonnie, South Carolina

"I used to bring toys. Now I bring energy, stories, and two listening ears. That’s what my grandkids really crave."

— Noreen, Arizona

"If the baby cries while I’m holding them, I don’t take it personally. I just smile, hand them back, and say, ‘Mama’s magic always works best!’"

— Esther, Vermont

"I make it a point to check in on my child—not just the baby. A simple ‘How are you doing today?’ can mean the world."

— Carolyn, Indiana

"You don’t have to entertain or impress. Just love them fiercely and faithfully. That’s what they’ll remember most."

— Gwen, Nebraska

"Be flexible. Nap times change, moods shift, plans fall through. The secret? Go with the flow and bring snacks."

— Harriet, Missouri

And there you have it—some truly wonderful advice from one loving grandma to another!

I just want to say it again: soak up every moment. These sweet times go by faster than we think. If you’re looking for even more helpful tips and kindhearted support, come join our brand-new community on Facebook and Pinterest.

I’d love to see you there and have a good ol’ grandma chat together!

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