I've got all the parenting skills. I just don't use them when I care for my grandkids.

The author learned how much parenting had changed while taking care of her grandkids.

Courtesy of the author

• I spent three weeks caring for my grandkids, who live far away.
• I learned that parenting norms had changed since I raised my kids.
• Being a helpful grandparent meant adapting and letting go.

My grandchildren live 3000 miles away, so I don't get to see them nearly as often as I'd like. Recently, I took a three-week break from my regularly scheduled life...