30+ Life Lessons We Gained From Our Grandmas

There’s nothing quite like the love of a devoted grandmother. I’ve been fortunate to have both of my grandmothers in my life well into adulthood. My Grandma Rose was by my side until I was 27, and my Grandma June is almost 82 and just as sharp as ever. The wisdom they imparted is as diverse as they are, and I carry their lessons with me every day. Because of their examples, I strive to be a better mother, partner, and individual.

Now, my children are lucky to have the best Grandma in my mom. She learned from her mother’s teachings, and I know my kids feel treasured and special in her presence. A good grandma is a true gem, and the insights they provide are as varied as the women themselves.

We reached out to readers and collected little nuggets of wisdom or humor passed down from their grandmothers. Here are over thirty heartfelt, humorous, relatable, and poignant life lessons from some cherished grandmas.

Sweet Lessons from Grandmas

“She taught me that there’s no reason to dislike anyone based on their background. Everyone is valuable in their own right.” — Lisa M.
“My Grandma showed me what unconditional love looks like. No one has loved me as fiercely since. I aim to emulate that with my own child.” — Sarah P.
“Look up! She taught me to appreciate beauty in everything, even storms. She always wondered about the people on planes flying overhead.” — Emma R.

Spicy Wisdom from Grandmas

“My grandma, nearing 90, often said, ‘Sometimes you have to roll in dirt to smell like flowers.’ It’s her way of reminding me that good can come from bad situations.” — Rachel K.
“With a colorful vocabulary, my grandma taught me the word ‘crap’ before I could even tie my shoes.” — Jenna L.
“Don’t let anyone push you around. If you dislike something, change it.” — Hannah T.

Practical Advice from Grandmas

“Nothing is wasted. My grandma found a second and third use for everything.” — Claire J.
“Chickens lay, people lie.” — a grammar lesson from my English major grandma, Laura S.
“Waddle like a penguin to avoid slipping on ice, and always buckle up!” — advice from Grandma Jean.

Beautiful Life Lessons

“I once made a mistake that inconvenienced her, and she said, ‘That’s alright. As long as pencils have erasers, don’t fret about mistakes.’” — Mia T.
“At 90, she said, ‘I can be happy anywhere,’ when discussing moving in with family.” — Kate L.
“Flaunt it if you’ve got it! That statement helped me through my teenage insecurities.” — Sophie B.

Grandmas as Our Rock

“After a tough breakup, my grandma picked me up and said, ‘If it didn’t work out the first time, it won’t work out the next.’ That advice stuck with me.” — Olivia H.
“My grandma cared for me when my mother couldn’t, teaching me my worth.” — Lucy F.
“I was a chubby kid, often worried about food. My grandma told me, ‘Your mom isn’t in charge of me. Eat what you want!’ She was my safe space.” — Anna G.

Delicious Lessons in the Kitchen

“My grandma taught me how to enjoy family time and even how to eat dandelion leaves!” — Max C.
“Homemade biscuits make everything better.” — Lily A.
“My grandmothers taught me hospitality and the importance of good food, stories, and time spent with loved ones.” — Victoria E.

Values of Hard Work and Self-Sufficiency

“After my grandpa’s passing, I became my grandma’s assistant. She taught me to work hard but also to enjoy life.” — Jennifer M.
“If you’re going to do something, get paid for it.” — Elizabeth T.
“Keep your own bank account, so you have independence.” — Becca N.
“Find happiness within yourself, don’t depend on others for it.” — Christine L.

A Grandmother’s Wisdom Can Change Your Life

“I never met my grandmothers, but my husband’s grandma introduced us, leading to a beautiful life together.” — Emily J.

Many of us carry the wisdom and memories of our beloved grandmas. I aspire to be a grandma one day, passing on the love and lessons I’ve learned so that our grandmothers always stay with us.

For more insights on family and love, check out our other blog on ethical surrogacy. If you’re considering home insemination, the experts at Make a Mom offer great resources. Additionally, for more information on fertility and insurance, UCSF’s fertility page is invaluable.