Not Your Stereotype: Why Gen X Makes Damn Good Grandparents

I recently came across an article on Upworthy titled “People are already calling Gen X the ‘worst’ grandparents ever, but the clapbacks are glorious”, and let me tell you it lit a fire in me.

As a Gen X grandparent, I’m calling B.S.

We’re not the worst. We’re just misunderstood. And frankly? We’re badass.

🎥 The TikToks That Started It All

The article includes a few viral videos — this one from @that1crazy72, this from @kylies.muse, and another from @rougeworld5 ..poking fun at the idea that Gen X won't be the nurturing, ever-present grandparents previous generations were.

Well, I’m here to push back with love, experience, and more than a little truth.

👵🏽 I Was Raised by Grandparents. The Real Deal.

My own grandparents, born in the 1920s were everything. When I wasn’t living with them, I was visiting. My grandmother was my person. My role model. My soft place to land.

They worked, cooked, cleaned, paid the bills, and raised kids without ever falling into tired gender roles. They raised me with unconditional love and strength, and they showed me exactly what it means to be a committed, present grandparent.

They were my blueprint and I carry that with me every single day as Nana.

💙 My Life with Avery

My grandson, Avery, is now four. And let me tell you he is joy incarnate. He’s inquisitive, bright, bossy (like his Nana), and full of magic. I get to live five roads away in the same subdivision, and I soak up every moment I can with him.

Do I want to raise him? No. But if life ever made that necessary, damn skippy I would.

I work six days on and eight days off at the hospital, and though I miss him during my work stretch, I stop by for nightly hugs, quick check-ins, or FaceTime storytime. On my eight off-days? I’m his shadow or maybe he’s mine.

Because here’s the thing: Gen X grandparents show up. In all the messy, complicated, real-life ways.

💪 We’ve Done Hard Things and Still Showed Up

Many of us are caring for aging parents, working full-time jobs, supporting our partners (like I am, as my husband navigates vision loss), and trying to stay afloat in an ever-demanding world.

It’s exhausting. It’s emotional.
And it’s worth it.

Avery has brought light to places that loss once dimmed. He’s healed wounds I didn’t even realize were still raw. He is laughter, hope, and purpose all wrapped into one beautiful little soul.

🧡 Gen X Grandparents: The Village Still Exists

They say it takes a village and we are that village. Avery is surrounded by love from both sets of grandparents who are fully invested in his life. No drama. No competition. Just love and teamwork.

This isn’t about helicopter parenting or rigid family roles. It’s about showing up in the way that matters most, being present, being supportive, and being real.

📝 Final Thoughts: I’ll Fight For This

So if someone wants to claim Gen X won’t be great grandparents, I’m here to say: I am already one. And I’m damn proud of the way I grandparent.

I’m not baking cookies in pearls, I’m reading bedtime stories on FaceTime after 12-hour shifts, juggling hospital work and caregiving, and still making sure Avery knows he is loved beyond measure.

This Gen X Nana is showing up. And I’ll lovingly fight anyone who says otherwise.

✨ Reader Reflection

Are you a Gen X grandparent (or soon-to-be)? Have you redefined what grandparenting looks like in your family? I want to hear your story, drop it in the comments or share this post with another grandparent who’s doing the thing, beautifully and boldly.

With All the Love

Brandy, aka Badass Nana