Becoming Papa Jamie: Navigating Grandparenthood in My 30s

Published by

James Lott, Jr.

I never thought I’d become a grandfather in my 30s.

To be honest, it wasn’t something I envisioned for myself until I was at least in my late 50s, maybe even 60s—graying hair, dad bod, working in my garden, and drinking dirty martinis. But life, as it so often does, had other plans. And somethimes they arrived a bit
early.

When I first got the news, I didn’t smile. I didn’t clap my hands or jump for joy. I didn’t cry happy tears. I was quiet. Still. And honestly, a little upset. I was still raising my own children—juggling homework help, bedtime routines, packed lunches, and the occasional parent-teacher conference. I was in the thick of it.

What does this say about me?

The idea of becoming a grandfather while still doing math homework with my youngest child felt absurd. I remember asking myself over and over: “How did this happen?” (Though I knew exactly how.) “What does this say about me?” “Am I old now?” I felt conflicted—caught between two roles that traditionally exist in different life stages. I didn’t feel ready. Not in the way I thought a grandparent should feel ready.

I held that baby...

The early days were filled with worry—about my child becoming a parent so young, about the future of this baby, about the judgment I might receive from others. But as time passed and the bump became a baby shower and then a hospital call, something shifted. I held that baby—my grandchild—for the first time, and all the things I didn’t know how to feel came flooding in. It didn’t happen instantly, but something in me softened. Love has a way of rearranging your entire emotional blueprint.

It made space in my heart I didn’t know was available. And when I looked at my grandchild’s face, I realized something that changed everything: this wasn’t about how old I was. This was about how much I could love, support, and show up. So I chose a name. Not Grandpa, not Gramps, not Big Daddy (even though someone did suggest that, and I laughed). I chose Papa Jamie. It felt like me. It honored my name and felt young, accessible, and warm. Not too old, not too silly. Just right.

And you know what?

I’m not alone!

According to Pew Research and other recent studies, the number of people becoming grandparents in their 30s and early 40s is on the rise. Family timelines look different now.

Life doesn’t always wait for the “perfect age.”

Across social media and support groups, I’ve found others like me—young grandparents still raising kids of their own, balancing dating with stroller walks, working full time, and learning to shift gears between parenting and grandparenting.

There’s strength in numbers, and comfort too. It’s made me feel less like an outlier and more like part of a growing, evolving story of what modern family looks like.

Being a grandparent in your 30s doesn’t come with a manual. It’s not something many books or movies have prepared us for. It’s new territory. We are forging paths that didn’t exist for our grandparents. We’re young enough to still be mistaken for the parent, old enough to understand what real love and sacrifice look like, and right in the middle of the ride with no off-ramp. It’s uncharted, yes. But it’s also beautiful. Complicated, but full of meaning. I’m still learning, still growing—both as a parent and now as Papa Jamie. And while I didn’t expect it, I wouldn’t trade it.

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.