Living in Purpose: Lessons from My Season as a Stay-at-Home Grandparent

Happy New Year!
It’s been over a year since my last blog post, VISION: Living in Purpose Every Day (January 21, 2021). And honestly, since that time, I’ve been doing exactly that--living a purposeful life.In June 2021, our family welcomed a new addition—our precious grandson, Cree—and he has been such a joy in the midst of an uncertain season. Babies bring a fresh energy to life; they fill homes with laughter, love, and the kind of joy that reminds us to slow down and savor each moment. They’re also great cultivators of patience. Can you say growth?
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When my daughter decided to return to work, I committed to supporting her and our son-in-love by caring for Cree during his first year. With so much uncertainty in the world, they weren’t at peace about placing him in childcare—and I understood completely. Since I primarily work from home as a business owner, I thought it would be easy. Let me tell you—it wasn’t! But it was both challenging and fruitful, stretching me in ways I didn’t expect.
I’m deeply grateful to share this experience with so many parents and grandparents around the world. Since 2020, countless families have had to juggle working from home while caring for little ones or even homeschooling. It’s hard, y’all!

Yet through it all, I’ve grown tremendously and learned so much about balance, discipline, and grace. Over the past five months, I’ve journaled a few simple but powerful lessons that helped me maintain work-life harmony while working from home with an infant. I pray they encourage you too.

🌿 1. Plan Ahead. Weekends are for preparation. I plan my meals, errands, and key tasks before the week begins. Having a daily and weekly schedule keeps me focused when distractions inevitably come. Create a task list that highlights your priorities, and remember--be flexible. Plans are guides, not prisons.

☀️ 2. Start Earlier. By the sixth month, baby Cree was both active and vocal! Starting my day before he woke up gave me quiet time to pray, read devotionals, journal, and plan. Those early mornings also helped me get dressed and mentally prepared for the day ahead. How you start your day often sets the tone for how you’ll end it.

⏳ 3. Prioritize. When your time is limited, focus on what truly matters. Work in short, concentrated bursts. Some days you’ll only accomplish a few key tasks—and that’s okay. Progress is still progress.

💤 4. Work While They Sleep. Nap times are golden. I use those quiet windows to handle phone calls, emails, and tasks that require deep focus. Protect that time—it’s sacred!

🎯 5. Set Reasonable Goals. You can’t do everything in one day. Be patient and gracious with yourself. Productivity isn’t about perfection; it’s about consistency. Some days will feel like a win, others like survival—but both are part of the process.

💖 6. Take Time for Yourself. As a full-time caregiver, this can feel impossible—but it’s non-negotiable. Even 30 minutes a day can make a difference. I spend mine playing my guitar, listening to a podcast, sitting in silence, or taking a power nap. Do something that restores you. Your peace fuels your purpose.

It’s been twenty-one years since I last cared for an infant. Life was very different back then—and so were my priorities. This season of grandparenting has gifted me with deeper patience, flexibility, and peace. It’s taught me not just new parenting insights, but valuable business lessons as well: how to adapt, focus, and stay faithful in every season.
Let’s keep the conversation going.
How have you balanced purpose, work, and family during this time?

With love,

~ Stay-at-Home Grandparent & Business Owner