The Weight and Wonder of Being the Sole Grandparent

The Weight and Wonder
of Being the Sole Grandparent

I never imagined I’d be the only grandparent in one of my grandchild’s lives. It’s a role that carries a quiet kind of gravity — one that sits heavy on the heart some days, and shines bright with purpose on others. When I look at that child, I see love, legacy, and responsibility all rolled into one tiny, trusting face. It’s a mix of joy and pressure — knowing I’m the one who will fill the space that others can’t or won’t.

Being the only grandparent means there’s no one else to tag in. No one to share the holidays, the milestones, or the lessons passed down through generations. When birthdays roll around, it’s my name on the card. When they need a story, advice, or comfort, it’s my voice they hear. It’s beautiful, but it’s also a heavy responsibility — because I know what my presence means.

I can’t afford to take it lightly. I can’t fade into the background. I have to show up — fully, consistently, and with love that stretches farther than I ever thought I was capable of giving.
There are moments when the weight feels overwhelming. I think about what my grandchild might miss — the other hugs, the other stories, the other side of the family tree. But then I remind myself: I’m not here to replace what’s missing. I’m here to provide what’s needed.

And what’s needed is stability. Presence. Laughter. Guidance. The kind of love that shows up, again and again, even when tired, even when life feels unfair.

I’ve learned that sometimes being “the only one” is not a burden — it’s a calling.

I won’t pretend it’s easy. Some days, it feels like I’m carrying generations on my shoulders — trying to be both history and hope at the same time. But when my grandchild looks at me with trust, when they call my name, or when they reach for my hand, I know I’m doing exactly what I was meant to do.

Up for the Challenge!

I am up for the challenge because love gives me strength.

I am up for the challenge because they deserve to have someone who refuses to give up.

And I am up for the challenge because being the sole grandparent doesn’t make me less — it makes me more.

Being the only grandparent is not easy, but it’s an honor that reshapes the heart. It reminds me that love doesn’t need to be multiplied to be enough — it just needs to be genuine, steady, and unconditional.

So, yes, the weight is enormous. But so is the joy. And I carry both — proudly.

Dr. James Lott, Jr., CTACC, CDC, CNA, CHOC, PMO, OA, DD, Certified Professional Organizer, is the Founder/CEO of The Super Organizer, LLC, and of the Online Network/Entertainment Company JLJ Media. He is a National Speaker/Teacher and Certified Life Coach. He founded and runs the JLJ Media network of over 80 shows (audio and video).

Certified by the Coach Training Alliance, James has been a Certified Life Coach for the past 15 years. He is certified in General Life, Media, Home and Office Organization, and Divorce Coaching. James also holds a Doctorate in Divinity. He also has the weekly Grandparent podcast, Really! I’m a Grandparent and was a Board Chairman of both the SF Church of Compassion and the Harvey Milk Institute.

10 years running, James has one of only several weekly Organizing shows called THE SOS SHOW with James Lott Jr. James is a Number One best-selling Amazon author and has over 60 books. He has several published songs about Organizing. He has been featured in Forbes, Homes & Gardens, Apartment Therapy, and made history on Jimmy Kimmel Live in 2021. James just celebrated 16 years as a Professional Organizer.

James is also a National Keynote Speaker speaking for organizations like: The National Association of Productivity & Organizers, National Association of Perinatal Social Workers, Culver City Garden Club, and Transworld Schools. And has a presentation on UCLA website.

James is a father of two grown daughters and four grandsons and one granddaughter.