Low-Key happiness

As a Millennial parent, life feels like a constant juggle—work, kids, social media’s pressure to curate a perfect home. But the moments I spent with my grandmother, Mémère, taught me that the simplest things—quality time with grandparents—can ground us and our kids in ways nothing else can. Those childhood weekends with her, baking cookies or counting down the minutes in church to be alone with her again, shaped my mind, body, and soul. Mémère isn’t just family; she is my best friend.


Now, as a great-grandmother to my son and daughter, Mémère’s a bit slower, her hair grayer, and she talks about her “impending death” like it’s happening tomorrow. Yet her spark hasn’t dimmed. She still has her garden though much smaller, still bakes even if it’s less frequent. mémère lives with a contentment I envy. Her home, uncluttered and functional, is a masterclass in simplicity—something Millennials crave in our chaotic, aesthetic-obsessed world. Social media pushes us to own every gadget and make our spaces Insta-worthy, but Mémère’s approach is different: own less, make more, live better.

Take her kitchen. She has four coffee mugs—her chipped favorite for daily use, and a few nice ones for guests, stored in the basement. She keeps just enough plates and cutlery for everyday life, with extras tucked away for company. Her countertops hold only what she uses daily: a toaster, flour bin, car keys. Weekly-use items like her bread pans or bean pot sit in cupboards, while rarely used things—canning jars, holiday decor—live in labeled basement storage. Her home looks spotless, even mid-bread-baking, because everything has a place, and she owns only what she needs.

This isn’t just about decluttering; it’s a mindset. Mémère finds joy in the ordinary—kneading dough, tending her garden, living for today, not the next vacation (she never took those!). That’s a skill Millennials need, especially as parents. We’re bombarded with pressure to hustle, achieve, and curate. But watching Mémère, I learned to slow down, to find peace in routine. I’ve brought this into my home. With two young kids, I thought baking bread or making fresh pasta was impossible. Then I asked: How did Mémère do it with 3 young boys and a very small budget? She made simplicity a habit, born from necessity and sustained by joy.

Bringing my kids to see Mémère isn’t just about family time; it’s about showing them a different way to live. Grandparents like her model resilience and contentment, qualities our kids need in a world that’s always “on.” Those moments—gardening together, eating her still-warm cookies—teach them to value real connection over digital noise. And for us Millennials, it’s a reminder to unplug, declutter, and embrace the present.

In 2025, make time for your kids to visit their grandparents. It’s not just about nostalgia; or the free babysitting. it’s about passing down a legacy of simplicity and joy. Mémère’s house, with its chipped mug and simple garden, reminds me daily: life doesn’t need to be perfect to be beautiful.

What lesson from your grandparents could change how you live today?