I love my mother. She is incredibly supportive, beautiful, and kind, and she loves me very much and does what she can to show it.But let's face it: grandma is better than mom. That isn't to say, of course, that moms are bad, because they're far from it. It's more like mom is a chocolate chip cookie, and grandma is the cookie dough. The cookie is delicious, but the dough is simply better.

The thing about a grandma is that she's not really a disciplinarian anymore. She's done with that part of life - her kids are grown and gone. Now she gets to reap all the benefits of kids without really needing to be mean to them. She's not there to get you in trouble, she's there to say "Don't tell your mom about this!". Because you know that if mom finds out, both of you are in trouble. And that is not why grandma is here.

Also, grandmas are way easier to talk to. Sure, they're a couple generations behind, and so they may have trouble understanding the troubles of today's youth. But that doesn't mean she won't sit across the table from you, hold your hand, and nod along in sympathy as you spill to her your sorrows. She'll interrupt the conversation only to make you a mug of hot cocoa, and will offer up the best advice she can after 70 years of experience. Mom may try to get involved, but grandma will just aim to make you feel better.

When stressed about school, there is no better retreat than grandma's house. She won't pressure you to finish your homework or your college applications, but will sit with you while you do it and keep you company. She's the study buddy that may not remember all the material, but she'll help where she can, and she's the best snack captain.

I have a game with one of my grandmothers. It began when I was in elementary school, and she would pick up my brother to take him to school near her house. The first to say "Have I told you today that I love you?" wins. The game restarts every day. It's simple, but every day I tell her I love her, and she tells me. Although I'd never doubt her, it's nice to be reminded.

A mother is a wonderful lady, don't get me wrong. But there is something about a grandma that is so wonderfully pleasant. While a mother's job is to raise you to be strong and moral, a grandmother's job is simply to love you and help you grow. The generational detachment somehow makes a loving relationship easier to achieve. When mom is stressing you out, you know where to turn. The loving embrace of your sweet old grandmother.