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| She would totally cut you in line at the pharmacy and elbow you if you put up a fight. (image here) |
When this free-for-all attitude combines with a severe desire to be a grandparent, the result is social inappropriateness at its worst. I knew a woman who collected books for her unconceived grandchildren from the time her own child turned sixteen. Yep, 16. Mind you, I knew her child when he was around thirty, without kids and without a prospective baby mama in his life. I know women who collect Christmas ornaments and clothes for their unconceived grandchildren. And I know one woman who buys baby products (high chair, etc.) for her home for when her unconceived baby visits. It was such a deep discount for such a quality product, she couldn't not buy it...
This sort of extreme baby craze can definitely knock the baby craze out of a lesser committed individual. It's down right scary. But, can this behavior be controlled and/or stopped? Circle back to the beginning of the post. The answer is no, no it cannot. Grandparent aged folk are crazy by law. The baby part is just a focus for that crazy. There's nothing that can be done other than to ride out the socially inappropriate wave and remember that it comes from a place a deep, profound love. Usually.
Who is the most baby crazed grandparent-wanna-be that you know? Any good stories? I'd love to hear about the baby crazed woman who bought her daughter ovulation test kits and prenatal vitamins? Or baby crazed parents who consult their child's boss about whether he seemed like he would make a good father?
10 comments:
Too many stories to count. Here are some gems: when I got engaged my father said: "that's wonderful and you know what they say, 'nothing is more beautiful than a pregnant bride'" - no dad, "they" do not say that!
My father also happens to be my gynocologist's boss. Once he was ready for grandchildren he told her to start prescribing me placebos instead of my birth control. True story.
I find your blog about baby-crazed grandparents to be very offensive. Your stereo-typing of older people is negative and very judgmental. Your belittling remarks are not very becoming of you. If people choose to things that don't hurt anyone, it is none of your concern.
There are many positive and wonderful stories out there about grandparents. Why don't you ask about those? How about the many grandparents that are always there in a positive way for their children and grandchildren.
How about the many stories about the Grandmothers in African countries that are raising not only their grandchildren but other children not even related to them?They do so because the parents have died of AIDS.
How about the organization called Grandmothers to grandmothers? This group raises money and awareness for the African Grandmothers.
Lots of great stories!
Lia - I knew that first story, but not the second one! Too funny.
Jennifer - Next Stop Baby is intended as a light-hearted and witty blog. The posts are rarely (ever?) profound or serious. Rather, I rant and poke fun at the gross, silly and over-the-top behavior that can accompany "baby crazed" individuals. I write about Teen Mom, subway commuters and baby name crises. The idea is funny and sometimes satirical, but not hardcore journalism. One thing I never intend to do is offend. Sorry!
Jennifer - you need to chill out. I don't think this post or this blog was meant to stereotype all grandparents as crazy and terrible people - I'm pretty sure it just meant to point out the comical things grandparents can do in prep for their kids having a baby. I think this post was spot on and think that the other comments were very funny. Keep up the good work!
Belittling people is NOT funny!
I don't find your blog full of "satire" or very witty... actually I found it mean-spirited!
Holy crap Jennifer. Perhaps you should read more than one post from a blog before you leave ridiculous comments. The tone has always been light-hearted, with the author focusing on the often silly behaviors that "baby crazed" people tend to indulge in. You obviously have no sense of humor, and your opinions are better off heard elsewhere.
You've hit on a universal truth. "Generally, old people don't give a shit." Love it.
I know I'm coming to this party about 2 months late, but I just read this post and the subsequent comments and was ruminating on whether or not 'Jennifer' has a point, whether she is entitled to express her point of view and perhaps offer some meaningful counter points (my initial reaction to people like her is ALWAYS cynical), and wondering whether I'm too quick to determine that this blog isn't the proper forum for those types of discussions...
And then I clicked onto 'newer posts' and was greeted with the topic
Barkevlous.
Cynicism 1
'Jennifer' 0
Like the above commenter I am a little later. I guess' Jennifer' doesn't think how much stress potential Grandparents can place on newlyweds. The day after the honeymoon they are asking when you are getting on the nest. Just because someone becomes grandparent is not meaning the child will be close to them. go look in nursing homes. Then lets not even think about if the 30 yr old in this story marries an infertile or childless by choice woman. The wife feels inferior and guilty because she can't make her parents or in laws a grandparent. Potential Grandparents do not think about these things. Their baby-crazed self will only set them up for disappointment.
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