The Mystery of Mom: Why does the heart soften when it becomes a grandmother?

When we are little, our moms tend to be rules keepers, schedule advocates and protagonists of hundreds of phrases such as: “Because I say it myself” or “One day you will thank me.” However, it is enough that life progresses for a few years and, surprise!, that same woman who used to be firm and determined now is a granny who consents, smiles and even breaks rules for her grandchildren. Is there some magic? What changes in the heart of a mother w…