"Back in Line" with Dr. Mosier: Parenting with a Do-Over Button

Raising Kids Was Just the Warm-Up Round

“Grandkids are God’s reward for not killing your kids,” John Maxwell once said. Many of you can probably relate—and I know my parents would wholeheartedly agree.

A friend recently told me, “Taking care of my grandkids is way more fun than raising my kids.” Naturally, I had to ask why. His answer? “As a grandparent, you’re more patient and less stressed.”

That really stuck with me. Because at the end of the day, a kid is a kid. They eat, sleep, poop, and whine when they don’t get their way (I might have just described myself, too). The real difference isn’t the kids—it’s the wisdom of the one caring for them.

Wisdom is born out of experience—both triumph and sorrow. It teaches us not to sweat the small stuff. Maybe that’s why grandkids and grandparents seem to connect so effortlessly, while us parents in the middle feel like the “necessary nuisance.”

One evening, Ellen and I dropped Ethan off with my parents so we could go on a date. He barely waved goodbye before bolting toward the backyard. As we drove away, we glanced back to see him spraying Nana with the water hose instead of the flowers—and both of them laughing.

Many of you have memories just like that with your grandparents. Sadly, some of us don’t—because our grandparents weren’t present physically, mentally, or emotionally. That’s my story. Which makes it even more meaningful that my boys are growing up with all four grandparents actively involved.

The truth is, health is one of the biggest determinants of how present someone can be as they age. My boys are blessed—both sets of their grandparents are healthy, vibrant, and fully present. (And yes, all four get adjusted regularly. Hashtag: cheating.)

But here’s the question—what about you?

Is your health—or lack of it—keeping you from being fully present? Do you still sweat the small stuff?

Don’t let health concerns muffle the wisdom you’ve earned through a lifetime of experiences.

Your friend, Dr. Mosier

P.S. If old, damaged discs are keeping you from picking up your grandkids or getting down on the floor to play with them, I’d like to invite you to a free Decompression Therapy Workshop. Join us August 25 at 6:30pm right here in Washington County and discover how this breakthrough therapy is helping people avoid scheduled spine surgeries.