Grandparents are an emotional support for children and young people: love, affection and satisfaction united in the same person. … Perhaps the most important point is that they provide emotional stability for children and play a decisive role in times of family adversity as they help during times of stress in the family.
Studies show that as many as 9 out of 10 adult grandchildren feel that their grandparents influenced their beliefs and values. A child’s perspective of what constitutes a healthy, normal relationship is shaped by the relationship that he or she holds with a grandparent. Through regular contact, a sense of emotional intimacy, and unwavering support, children can experience what a true, positive relationship should look like.
Grandparents are a valuable resource because they have so many stories and experiences from their own lives to share. Often, children will listen to grandparents even when they are not listening to their parents or other adults. Grandparents also offer a link to a child’s cultural heritage and family history. Children understand more of who they are and where they come from through their connection with their grandparents.
Grandparents provide a sense of security. Especially during tough times, having an extra layer of support can make a big difference in a child’s life.
Grandparents instill values and knowledge in the lives of grandchildren. And these may be similar to those instilled in their children, but they may also be ones that come from a different school of thought that has been lost. They teach values and lessons that have timeless meaning, such as how to converse and have manners in a digital world.
Grandparents carry stories. They carry stories about the times they lived in, the experiences they had, the way things used to be, and big events that shaped the nation. They have stories about divisive issues from our past. They also have stories about the family history that helps grandchildren learn about their culture and background. These stories and family histories not only keep the past alive, they also teach valuable life and character lessons. There is no stating the importance these lessons carry in how a grandchild grows and makes choices in their life.
Things grandchildren can and should learn from their grandparents.
History
Kids may hate having to learn about history in schoolbooks and from old paintings and pictures, but they may find it more interesting to learn from someone who actually lived it. Children can find out what it was like to grow up during the Great Depression or World War II from grandparents who experienced life during that time. Personal stories are much easier to remember than lists of names and dates from books. Most children love hearing about family history and how their grandparents grew up in a time entirely different from their childhood!
A New Skill Set
When they were growing up, many senior citizens learned skills such as sewing, gardening, baking, farming or woodworking. These are great things to pass on to grandchildren, as they may not be commonly taught anymore, but are still very useful talents to possess.
And grandparents may have learned things during their lifetime that have proved helpful. Need household tips? No one is better to ask than a grandparent, who has needed to be resourceful in their time. Grandparents can teach their grandchildren how to upcycle things they might have thrown away in the past.
Wisdom
Turn to grandparents for life lessons and other advice because they’ve often lived through the same or similar experience – possibly more than once. Knowing how grandparents dealt with problems in their lives, and knowing that they got through everything just fine, can make children feel as though they can get through anything.
Family History
Everyone has those old black and white pictures of unknown relatives, but grandma and grandpa may actually know where they were taken and who those mystery people are. Ask about your family tree — who are their siblings, parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles? You’ll know about tons of family members you didn’t know existed. And maybe they can share some funny stories about your parents when they were young. It can be really interesting to learn about the people who came before you and made your family who they are today.
Humor
Teasing is a part of growing up, but when it comes from someone who loves you unconditionally, it’s way more enjoyable. Learning jokes and pranks from your grandparents is a great way to bond with them and understand how to react if you’re teased by your own peer group. Maybe your grandparents will even help you play a prank on your parents.
Listening
Many young children are used to their parents listening to everything they say, and they expect others will do the same. While this is often normal for young children, it’s important for them to learn how to listen to others as well.
Listening to grandparents’ stories helps grandchildren to learn how to listen and understand what others are telling them. This way, when they get to school, they’ll be ready to listen to their teachers and learn from them.
Games
Ever played bridge, canasta, pinochle or pitch? These card games – staples to older generations – are falling out of style with the advent of video games and smartphones. Let your grandparents teach you what they did for fun when they were your age and you might find you have a new favorite card game.
Emotional Support
Having a sounding board who doesn’t spend every day with you, like a parent or guardian does, can be invaluable when you’re trying to navigate the teenage years. Adolescents rely heavily on each other during their formative years and grandparents can serve as an impartial source that can help them understand which friends they can trust and which they cannot.
Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff
Grandparents have lived long enough to realize not to get upset over the little things; life is too short. Young grandchildren think everything is hyper-important, but can learn to adjust their priorities after discussing problems with their grandparents, who have a broader world view.
Snail Mail
Don’t let the art of letter writing fade. It’s great practice for kids who are learning how to write. Set up some pen pal time with your grandparents and you can each send postcards, letters or souvenirs from your latest excursion. You’ll both have a great time waiting for the next letter to come in the mail, and you’ll grow closer in the process.
Grandparents come with years’ worth of wisdom and love to share with their grandkids. Take the time to get to really know and learn from them while they’re here. They’ll cherish the time they get to spend with their grandkids and, in turn, the kids will gain insight and character they can pass onto their own children and grandchildren someday. There’s no better way to pass on family traits than through time spent with one another.