When people become new parents, they experience a depth of love they never knew existed before. They often don’t think they can ever love someone quite that much ever again – until the grandchildren are born! A special place in the heart opens up when grandkids arrive, and if they choose, grandparents can play a significant role in their young lives. While not taking the place of their parents, developing a relationship with an involved grandparent can be immensely important to children.
Most don’t realize just how influential and meaningful the grandparent and grandchild connection can be – here are five ways the relationship is mutually beneficial.
- The Kids Experience Unconditional Love: Grandchildren feel unconditional love when we cherish them for who they are, not who we think they should be. A grandparent has the opportunity to mentor and guide their grandkids, sharing wisdom to help them make good choices and listening to their hopes and fears. Being around grandchildren can also provide a senior with a renewed sense of purpose and meaning in their life.
- Grandparents Provide Another Level of Security: The world is a very uncertain place, more so today than it has ever been. Kids need to feel safety, stability, and security – and to know they have someone standing with them no matter what comes. While parents can provide a loving home and the security kids need, having grandparents who are also involved in their lives enhances their feeling of being safe in a crazy world.
- Grandparents Can Provide Needed Perspective: Kids need mentors who can help them to navigate the world from a different perspective. Grandparents can offer valuable and unique insights, sharing memories from their own childhood and life that can help the kids to realize that we all have shared experiences.
- Grandkids Can Experience Adventures: Kids love exploring and learning new things, but their parents are often too busy with work and responsibilities. Grandparents often have the time and the desire to explore and are wonderful adventure partners for kids. Whether actually traveling, walking local trails, going to the zoo, or visiting a museum – grandparents can become kids’ best friends in adventures and new experiences.
- Grandparents and Grandchildren Can Develop Strong Connections: Whether as a confidante, a prayer partner, or just a shoulder to cry on, grandparents and grandchildren can spend the time necessary to develop deep, meaningful connections. While related, grandparents are not the child’s parents and can offer all of the strength and wisdom of an adult while creating a safe place for the child to be themselves and have some downtime from the normal family dynamic. A grandparent’s life and values can be an inspiration to children as they grow, as well as give a sense of legacy, continuity, and belonging. Children need real and authentic connections outside of their immediate family, people who are genuinely interested in them and are there to support them. As people age, they become “sages” for the younger generations, but only if they know and respect their grandparents well. If seniors don’t make the effort to engage with their grandchildren, they are missing out on a beautiful and special relationship – and the kids are missing out on them as well.If you are a senior with grandchildren and want to see them more, be proactive! Work with your adult children to make arrangements to visit or spend time with the kids. You’ll be glad you did.
A Banyan Residence is an assisted living and memory care center located in The Villages.
