There’s something about becoming a grandmother that is almost impossible to put into words.

That first moment. That first cuddle. The first time you hear your grandchild call your special name.

My guest this week, Joy Crawford, understands that feeling very well. She is the founder of What My Grandkids Call Me, a community of grandparents built around a wonderfully simple idea: celebrating the names our grandchildren give us – and the relationships behind them.

Joy tells me how one encounter between a little boy and his beloved “Boompa” inspired a faith-driven mission to make a million people smile.

We talk about the extraordinary bond between grandparents and grandchildren, the memories our own grandparents leave with us, loving grandchildren who live far away, and the freedom that comes with being Grandma rather than Mum.

There are laughs, a few tears, and plenty of stories – including the moment my four-year-old granddaughter informed me, when she spilt her juice on the sofa, that she is apparently the reason I can’t have nice things!

If you’re a grandparent, I think you’ll recognise a great deal in this conversation.

And I’d love to know: what do your grandchildren call you?

Find Joy

What My Grandkids Call Me:whatmygrandkidscallme.com

Joy is also the author of What My Grandkids Call Me A to Z, a collection of grandparent names and reflections from real grandmothers. https://geni.us/6M5s1Sf

And from me

My book, Ageing Wonderfully Well: The Good News About Midlife and Growing Older, is available worldwide here:

Ageing Wonderfully Well

Midlife & Beyond with Jo Blackwell is a weekly podcast about navigating the years beyond 50 with curiosity, confidence and an open mind.