From Denial to Diapers: The 7 Hilarious Stages of Becoming a Grandma

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You’ve probably heard of the Seven Stages of Grief—shock, denial, anger, bargaining, sadness, acceptance, and healing. But guess what? There are also Seven Stages of Becoming a Grandma!

Now don’t worry—this journey is way more joyful than grief. But let’s be honest, it still comes with a mix of feelings you might not expect. If you’re about to become a grandma, get ready—you might go through all of these fun (and sometimes funny) stages. And yes, one of them includes baking cookies!

Stage 1: Sweet Denial

“There’s no way I’m old enough to be a grandma!”

At first, it just doesn’t feel real. You might laugh it off and say there’s been a mix-up. Maybe you “lose” your reading glasses a little more often or suddenly sign up for a yoga class and buy the cutest, trendiest clothes you can find. A bold new hair color? Why not! Anything to remind the world—and yourself—that you’re still full of life and way too young to be called “Grandma.” But don’t worry, this stage is perfectly normal. It’s just the beginning of a beautiful journey.

Stage 2: The Great Google Panic

“Wait… there’s a machine that warms baby wipes now?!”

Once the news sinks in, the next thing many grandmas do is hop online and start searching. You’ll find yourself googling everything from “how to swaddle a baby in 2025” to “what is a DockATot?” The baby world has changed a lot since you were a young mom—and that can feel a little overwhelming. Don’t stress, sweet Grandma-to-be. You don’t have to know it all. Just showing up with love (and maybe snacks) is more than enough.

Stage 3: Cookie Madness Begins

“Every good grandma needs a famous cookie recipe, right?”

You knew baked goods had to make an appearance somewhere! As soon as the grandma news sinks in, the oven turns on. Suddenly, you’re on a mission to become the cookie grandma. Maybe it’s chocolate chip, maybe it’s snickerdoodle, or maybe it’s something wild you just made up. Either way, your kitchen turns into a delicious-smelling bakery, and no family member is safe from taste-testing.

You’ll send late-night texts like, “Come over—I made another batch!” and the grocery store clerk might start asking if you’re hosting a bake sale. But it’s all worth it when you imagine your grandchild one day saying, “No one makes cookies like my grandma.”

Stage 4: Nesting Like a Pro

“The baby needs a room at Grandma’s house too… right?”

Even though the baby won’t live with you, that doesn’t stop your heart from turning your home into a second nursery. You start by clearing out a room, then the fun begins—crib, tiny clothes, soft blankets, bedtime books, baby lotion, maybe even a rocking chair just like your own grandma had.

There’s a secret hope in your heart: maybe the baby will sleep over now and then… or maybe stay a whole weekend… or even longer! This stage is all about getting your home grandbaby-ready—because let’s face it, nothing says love like a cozy corner made just for them.

Stage 5: The Storybook Collector

“Every child needs to know about The Very Hungry Caterpillar, right?”

Out of nowhere, the bookstore becomes your favorite hangout. One by one, you start picking out all your favorite childhood books—the ones that made you smile, laugh, or cry when you were little (or when your own kids were little). Before you know it, you’ve got a growing pile of picture books, bedtime stories, and beloved classics.

From Dr. Seuss to Harry Potter, your house slowly turns into a magical mini library. Each book has a story, a memory, a little piece of your heart—ready to share with your grandbaby, one page at a time.

Stage 6: The Advice Machine

“Back in my day, we didn’t need all these fancy baby burping tricks…”

As the baby’s due date gets closer, you might feel a tiny urge to start giving tips. Lots of tips. About everything. From feeding to burping to diapering—you’ve done it all before, so of course you want to help! But sometimes those tips come out a little… unsolicited.

Even if your advice isn’t always taken, know this: it comes from love. You care deeply, and your wisdom is part of what makes you a wonderful grandma. Just remember—sometimes the best advice is simply a listening ear and a warm hug.

Stage 7: The Super Grandma Glow-Up

“Hold my coffee… it’s grandma time!”

And just like that, everything changes. The moment you lay eyes on that sweet little face, the old worries, the Googling, the cookie experiments—poof! Gone. You step into your new role like you were born for it.

Suddenly, you’re a baby whisperer, a diaper-changing champ, a bedtime story queen, and the world’s best lullaby singer—all rolled into one. Sure, your back might ache and you might forget where you put your glasses again, but your heart? Oh, it’s full. Becoming a grandma isn’t just a title—it’s a joyful, love-filled adventure that brings out your very best self.

Conclusion
So… how many of these stages have you gone through? I’ll be honest—I’ve lived through all seven (and then some!). I hope this brought a smile to your face, because you, my fellow beloved Grandma, truly deserve it.

Thanks for spending a little time with me today. Let’s chat again soon.

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