Traveling with the family "pod"

I have the sweetest and prettiest grandson on the planet! Of course, I am a bit prejudiced. But ever since he was born, I have tried to be an integral part of his life, even though I live five hours away from him.

The first several weeks after he was born, his maternal grandmother and I slept on the floor or the couch and took shifts during the night to get up and help his mom with breast-feeding, and all the frustration that comes with being new parents. From those moments, we sort of became a "pod", a family unit that actually worked pretty well.

Once he was older, they began traveling with him, and because I lived closer than his maternal grandmother, I became a part of the traveling "pod". So what does that mean for me?

Well, I had to learn to pack everything I needed in one suitcase, because the baby was going to need my entire extra carry-on bag. We learned quickly that one carry-on had to be the travel diaper bag and had to be between my feet so I could get to it easily. After the first trip, my daughter-in-law informed me that I would have to always travel with them!

It also means that I become the baby-sitter when the kids want to go out, which is totally fine with me. Best of all, it means that I am included in all these wonderful moments with my grandson!

Now, I realize that some grandmothers may not get along with their child's spouse. I am fortunate in that I have a wonderful relationship with my daughter-in-law. But there are reasons that we get along well.

For starters, I realize I am NOT the parent, and do not make the major decisions in my grandson's life. We as grandmothers have to learn that early on. It doesn't always come easy, but I have learned to keep my opinions to myself unless asked. And fortunately, they ask quite often. I also try my best to make myself available for any help they need. I won't say I always succeed. But I do try.

So being a part of this "traveling pod" has been such a blessing for me. I have had the opportunity to go many places I'd never been before, AND enjoy those places and experiences with my grandson. That, my readers, is priceless.

So if your kids travel a lot, make yourself available as a member of their "traveling pod". And make sure you are the kind of in-law that adds a bit of light to the "pod"!

Happy "pod" traveling!