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Thursday, May 1, 2025

FOMO

Our precocious, fast-moving
youngest granddaughter, I. 
Although my grandchildren's personalities are unique (and in development), they all seem to display one common trait: FOMO. 

It's the reason they're so disarming. 

I love it when all three grandkids are together with us, but let's just say I am the JOMO to their FOMO. So when they wiggle their way into my lunch, my laptop, my life... I am summarily overwhelmed and yet also joyously powerless to resist them, similar to Elizabeth Olsen's vibe in this puppy interview, lol. I recall a comedian once remarking that he had no idea that parenting his first toddler would be similar to living with his university roommate if said roommate were drunk 24/7. To hell with boundaries, amirite?

Oh sure, I know how to to gently redirect and distract when necessary, for their safety, for their education, etc. etc.... but at this stage in my life I avoid imposing myself. Why? We earned it: grandparents often take advantage of the privilege to laugh about it and let their parents figure it out. But the real reason? These kids are the nervous system reboot I never knew I needed right now in my life; like the Grinch, they make my heart grow three sizes, minimum. 

Currently, my youngest granddaughter is the perfect age for this puppy-like pandemonium, so that's why I thought she needed to celebrate the way she jumps into life (and off the slide) with both feet; hence, she has her very own FOMO been-there, done-that, bought the t-shirt t-shirt. 

12 comments:

CheerfulMonk said...

😊❤️👍

Debra She Who Seeks said...

This post makes me think of that quotation (which I'm sure you probably already know) -- "If I had known grandchildren were so much fun, I would have had them first!"

Margaret (Peggy or Peg too) said...

Having had to do so much after my mom died I vowed no kids. Then at 40 I wished I'd have grandchildren and could just skip the kid part. So instead I'm a terrific Aunt who spoils them rotten and takes them on trips and do all the things their parents would not ever do. Nothing better than a 3 yr old at Sesame Street Live. LOL

Midwest Mark said...

I don't have any grandchildren yet (and may never), but I can definitely relate to the toddlers-as-drunken-college-roommates analogy!

Anonymous said...

Codex: Them and kittens. At least puppies can't climb.

Kathy G said...

Although I only see the grandchildren every few months I completely agree.

Anvilcloud said...

Sometimes FOMO may lead to FAFO.

Pixie said...

Toddlers are exactly like drunken roommates:) I loved your other post about cousins as well. I grew up not knowing my cousins really, I'm one of the youngest cousins, only one is younger than me. We range from 50-80 years old, and most are on Vancouver Island or England, but two of my cousins and I have become friends as adults. They're like sisters to me.

Shammickite said...

I had to look up FOMO and JOMO, so I'm obviously missing out on a lot.

Tom said...

...I'm such an old dude, I has to search, FOMO and JOMO!

jabblog said...

Little children are essential for the mental elasticity of adults.

37paddington said...

I know something of what you mean, courtesy of my now 2 year old grand niece!