Despite the prevailing biological narrative that you reproduce, get old and die, women often live longer than men. Their caregiving roles in their children’s lives help explain this.
In a world that’s obsessively youth focused, these grannies are proving that you can still be cool past 60. They’re inspiring people everywhere to find new ways to celebrate age.
They are a source of support
When a child’s parents can no longer care for them, grandparents are often called upon to step in and raise their children. Oftentimes, this is the best option for the family and the child. But, this can be a challenging time for everyone involved. Especially when the grandchildren are young, they may resent being separated from their parents and wish to return to their home. This can cause them to act out in a variety of ways. For example, they may lash out at their new caregivers or break their parent’s rules.
It’s important to remember that children communicate through their behavior, and this can be difficult to read. If your grandchild acts out, don’t take it personally. They are just trying to express their feelings. It’s also important not to say anything about their parent in front of them. Jean Connolly, a 64-year-old grandmother who wears lingerie on TikTok, recently took to the platform to address cruel trolls.
They are a source of information
A 60 plus granny can be a source of information and entertainment. They are usually well-read, and often have a wealth of life experiences to share with the grandkids. Whether they are telling stories about their past or explaining why the sun is setting, they are sure to keep the children entertained. But, be careful not to break the kids’ bedtime rules!
The Return of the Beverly Hillbillies television film, written by series creator Paul Henning, was filmed in 1981. It returned Jed to his homestead in Bugtussle, with Elly May and Jethro having a massive estate divided between them. The film also featured Jane Hathaway, who played a Department of Energy agent seeking Granny’s White Lightnin’ recipe.
Granny is a devout Confederate who fancies herself a self-styled mountain doctor. She brews her own elixirs to treat various ailments, including leech bleeding and using pliers for teeth-pulling. She is quick to anger and can be abrasive, but she is overruled by Jed.
They are a source of entertainment
In addition to proving that age is just a number, these feisty role models inspire women around the world. They are a reminder that one’s passion for life doesn’t have to end with retirement, and they prove that there’s always room in your heart for new love.
Granny, the matriarch of the Clampetts, is a self-styled doctor who uses her secret white lightning brew to treat leech bleeding and teeth-pulling. She also fancies herself a Baptist Christian (“dunked, not sprinkled”) and tries to take her life as seriously as she does her chores.
The show was a hit, and the grannies returned for their second parade in November of 2021. For many, the parade was a chance to reclaim their lives and prove that they’re not done dancing yet. In fact, their enthusiasm for the event was infectious. They even managed to make the local news! For some members, like Streng, the parade was a rebirth.
They are a source of companionship
In addition to juggling their own busy lives, grandparents are often the source of companionship and support for their families. They may not be able to take their grandchildren on expensive vacations or send them to sleep-away camp, but they can provide financial stability and other valuable services. In return, they deserve to be treated with respect and gratitude.
For example, if your grandkids’ parents don’t want their kids to play with their pet bird or have a piercing, it’s important to honor those requests. Otherwise, they may lose their trust in you. Also, don’t tell your grandchildren scary stories or tell them they might get their eyes stuck in a roll of toilet paper. These tall tales can become legitimate fears for young children and make them afraid of you.
You should also avoid inviting over non-parent-approved guests while you’re babysitting. It’s one thing to bring over your friends, but it’s another thing altogether to invite over people their parents don’t approve of. This could put a strain on your relationship with the child’s parents, and they might not let you watch their kids again.
