# A week with grandkids reminded me parenting is harder than I thought

> Jennifer Cannon spent a week caring for her grandchildren and rediscovered how demanding parenting really is.
- Title: A week with grandkids reminded me parenting is harder than I…
- Summary: Jennifer Cannon spent a week caring for her grandchildren and rediscovered how demanding parenting really is.
- Keywords: parenting, jennifer cannon, toddlers, family caregiving, Business Insider
- Source: Business Insider — https://businessinsider.com/grandmother-week-caring-grandkids-parenting-lessons-2026-11
- Author: Jennifer Cannon
- Published: 2026-11-11T17:10:01.228+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: parenting, jennifer cannon, toddlers, family caregiving, business, technology
## A grandmother's week begins
Jennifer Cannon flew to visit her son's family: 6-year-old Landon, 3-year-old Sloan, and their rescue dog Peaches. Her son and his wife both work full-time, and Grammy's visit gives them a break.
## The forgotten checklist returns
Weekday afternoons meant picking up from two different schools, then ice cream. Running around sparked subconscious maternal checklists: are they buckled? Do they have snacks? What if someone chokes while driving?
## Patience is a muscle
Things Cannon hadn't thought about in decades came into sharp focus. When the newly potty-trained three-year-old announced she needed the bathroom with none nearby, they raced back to the car to find one fast.
## Homework and negotiation
Landon's first-grade homework required ten minutes of daily reading. He was a fearless negotiator who wanted to do anything but sit down. Cannon explained calmly that the time spent arguing could have finished the task.
## Her son understands now
When Cannon's daughter-in-law was away on a work trip, Cannon cleaned and did laundry.Her son, who had been judgy about his little sisters' messes at that age, was appreciative.They laughed about his newfound understanding.
## The many directions parents are pulled
Cannon was reminded how many different directions parents are pulled in, especially moms, because there are significantly more moments when young children want mommy and only mommy.
## The luxury of enjoying them
When Sloan angrily yelled at her brother in a restaurant booth, Cannon realized she didn't need to solve it. Her parents were there. The luxury of simply enjoying her grandkids without responsibility was freeing.
## Tiny moments that last forever
On her last night, Sloan wanted a bedtime story and snuggles. She gave big hugs and kisses and said, "I love you, Grammy Jen." Cannon's eyes welled up and she thought her heart might burst.

> I love you, Grammy Jen.
## Key takeaway

A grandmother caring for her grandchildren discovered that parenting demands she had underestimated, from managing toddler patience to handling multiple directions parents are pulled in.