The Role Of Grandparents In The Lives Of Their Grandchildren
The role of grandparents in the family and society has changed a lot in recent times. Their role, which was previously more discreet and optional, has now become more active and necessary in many cases.
The role of grandparents
The role of grandparents is very important in the lives of their grandchildren and in family life in general. They are extremely valuable, both in the logistics of family life and the children’s emotional development.
The voice of experience
First, grandparents are a source of knowledge and experience. Thanks to everything they have experienced, they can offer a different, broader perspective than younger generations.
In situations where grandchildren experience aggression, fear or confusion, their point of view can help guide them and help them make better decisions.
Emotional support
For both parents and grandchildren, grandparents are an important point of connection. This is especially true after the birth of the first child, as parents often feel scared and overwhelmed. The grandparents’ support and advice can give peace of mind and encouragement to the parents.
In addition, grandparents can help with everything related to the grandchildren’s care. In this way, they show their own children that they will be able to take on the task of caring for the new family member.
The role of grandparents in family culture
Grandparents are often the central core that holds a family together. Thanks to them, their descendants can learn more about their family history. In addition, they help to create a sense of identity and belonging when telling the family story.
At the same time, their role is important in teaching family values and keeping the family together.
Often it is the grandparents who make the greatest effort to gather the whole family. And it is grandparents who most like to see their children and grandchildren spend time together. Grandparents remind us of the importance and privilege of our family ties.
Responsibility and empathy
Grandparents encourage in their grandchildren a natural sense of sympathy and respect.
It is not uncommon for a grandmother or grandfather to magically calm their grandchild in the midst of an outburst of rage, even when the parents fail to do so. In the same way, children who are reluctant to obey their parents can be quick to do what their grandparents ask.
By having an understanding of their grandparents’ age and limitations, children also develop empathy and a naturally caring instinct. They may actually worry about their grandparents and change their behavior to make sure they are well.
Learning from grandchildren
Grandchildren are not the only ones who benefit from this relationship. Just as grandparents bless and enrich the lives of their grandchildren , grandchildren also have a positive impact on their grandparents.
Grandchildren help them feel younger and more alive. They give their grandparents an opportunity to relive parenting from a more relaxed and easy-going perspective. They create a bond of trust and cooperation that benefits both parties.
Older children can also take their grandparents to the modern world’s latest news, technology and progress. They can help them become more involved and develop in society so that they do not stagnate.
The role of grandparents in upbringing
As we mentioned above, the role of grandparents in the past was very different than it is today. Grandparents were often less involved in previous generations, and their participation was more optional. Today, however, many families need to contact grandparents for financial or logistical support.
But that often puts grandparents in a complicated situation. They are expected to take responsibility for the care of their grandchildren, but at the same time the parents ask them not to interfere in their education and upbringing.
It is common for grandparents to have a tendency to “pamper” their grandchildren at times. And it is also common for parents to feel that their authority is being questioned by certain actions on the part of the grandparents.
It’s okay for parents to want to be responsible for making decisions about their children’s upbringing. Just do not forget that grandparents take on a task that is not a duty and they do it out of love. Sometimes this goes beyond their physical and emotional ability.
Therefore, try to focus on what is really important in your children’s upbringing. When it comes to everything else, trust your parents’ judgment and be grateful for their support. If you can agree and work together, everyone will benefit – especially your children.
