We’ve been grandma and grandpa for 19 years. Now we’re finding out the terms “grandma” and “grandpa” may be a thing of the past.
At least that’s what some baby boomers want.
A TikTok video featured a woman who said her mother-in-law doesn’t want to be called “grandma” any more. I’m not sure, but apparently the term makes her feel old — or something.
The grandma thought maybe “Queen mother” would be more fitting. I guess that would make the grandpa “King father.”
Other suggestions rolled in, including “G-ma.”
The video quickly racked up a couple million views and plenty of people chimed in with similar stories and suggestions.
We’ve always loved being “grandma” and “grandpa” to our grandkids.
When they were little it was an endearing thing to hear. Even now when most of them are in their teens, hearing “grandpa” sounds just fine to me. It’s who I am and it’s meaningful to me. Calling me “Poppy” or “PawPaw” to help me be in denial about growing older just doesn’t make sense.
Still, I wouldn’t mind watching my granddaughters and grandsons squirm as they grow older and I insist they call me “Grand-dude” or maybe “Your Honor.”
A lot of alternatives for grandma include things like “Gigi” and “Bibi.” They’re kind of cute nicknames when the grandkids are little, but sound a little off coming from a grandkid in their 30s or 40s.
While baby boomers fret over what to be called when they have grandkids, I’m happy to say that 2024 is apparently the year of the grandpa. Particularly our fashion sense.
In recent years something called “Coastal Grandmothers” has been all the rage when it comes to fashion. Being far from any coasts other than the North Shore where fashions lean toward flannel, I hadn’t heard of it before.
The term refers to those older women who are effortlessly stylish in a comfortable way and look put-together without trying too hard.
But this year the focus is on something called “Grandpa Core” style. It embraces vintage styles and nostalgia of grandpas.
Colorful cardigans, loafers, hats and sweaters that are made to last decades and are comfy have shown up in generations of grandpas everywhere.
There are all sorts of sites showing how to pull off the look and the hashtag #grandpacore has also been viewed tens of millions of times.
The chance to dress like we grandpas has endless possibilities.
You’ve got your reserved, professor-type grandpa with the tweed blazer and pageboy hat.
There’s the grandpa in the cozy chair near the fireplace with the oversized sweater.
Outdoor working grandpa has quality outdoor boots, rainproof, warm jackets and hats that stand up to the elements.
It’s good we grandpas are getting our day in the spotlight.
So go ahead grandkids, copy my fashion sense all you want.
Just don’t call me “PawPaw” or I’ll have to disinherit you.
Tim Krohn can be contacted at tkrohn@mankatofreepress.com or 507-720-1300.