Why grandchildren are special

Grandparents usually occupy their second circle or second tier of emotional proximity. As children grow, their circles enlarge, and their peers become vitally important to them. Grandparents may be further displaced. Grandparents, on the other hand, often live in a world of shrinking circles, as their peers and older relatives die, move away or suffer from serious health issues. Their children and grandchildren may come to occupy a larger space in their lives. What is important, however, is that grandparents who develop establish early emotional bonds with grandchildren will find that those bonds last.

Research also shows that the middle generation is of vital importance in determining closeness. When grandparents and their adult children are close, closeness with grandchildren comes naturally and easily.

Grandchildren often get their early values from parents and grandparents. As they mature, however, they are more likely to grow their own set of values.

Families are closest when they share values, but few families will ever be in total agreement. Researchers say a generation gap sometimes develops when younger generations find older generations lacking in social tolerance and even prone to hypocrisy. And grandparents should be sure that they practice what they preach. Although these six factors have an influence on grandparent-grandchild closeness, the attitude of grandparents is the most important factor.

Research shows that love for grandparents isn't built into the grandparent-grandchild relationship. In other words, grandchildren don't automatically value their grandparents. Instead, they learn to value their individual grandparents and the way they occupy that role.

Detached or uninvolved grandparents are unlikely to find a place of honor in the family circle. On the other hand, grandparents who thrive on creating family drama and stirring up conflict are unlikely to be valued family members either.

All in all, it is the grandparent who is determined to build a strong and lasting relationship with grandchildren who is most likely to succeed. Get expert tips to help your kids stay healthy and happy. Intergenerational solidarity and conflict.

InIntergenerational solidarity. Palgrave Macmillan, New York. Dunifon, R. The Role of Grandparents in the Lives of Youth. Journal of family issues. Connecting grandparents and grandchildren. InConnecting Families ; Springer, London. Adolescents' closeness to paternal grandmothers in the face of parents' divorce. Children and Youth Services Review. Family Relations. Emotional closeness between grandparents and grandchildren in rural China: The mediating role of the middle generation.

Journal of Intergenerational Relationships. Predictors of grandparent—grandchild closeness: An ecological perspective. There are also opportunities for one-on-one time with your grandkids. But as a grandparent, you might get one grandchild at a time. One of the best aspects of raising kids is revelling in all the affection. Babies and young children can be so cuddly. Well, as a grandparent, you likely get this advantage times two!

Speaking of affection, grandparents are blessed with truly adorable nicknames. While nan and pop are common titles, the iterations are endless: grammy, grampy, papa, nanny, or a new, creative name given to you by your grandkids. This means that grandparents are generally in better financial situations than they were as young parents.

This means holidays, trips to theme parks, cinema tickets, new toys…. Witnessing the growth can feel miraculous. For many grandparents, this period brings about a sense of pride. You can feel secure in the knowledge that you did an amazing job raising your kids, as you see them doing the same with their own children.

Passing down parenting knowledge is a treasure, too. Go easy, though, as your kids are probably anxious to figure things out for themselves. Still, the occasional helpful suggestion will be a welcome touch. And make sure to regularly compliment your children on what terrific parents they are becoming.

This will warm their hearts and fill everyone with family gratitude. And many of us have fabulous tales to share.

They may not even believe you when you tell them that phones used to have cords! As a grandparent, telling stories can be great fun. Passing down family traditions and tales can be a lovely way to forge an intergenerational bond, and you never know how your wisdom will impact your grandkids.

The connection between a grandparent and a grandchild is unique and meaningful. It is a relationship that differs from that of parent and child and takes on its own special shine. Nothing can compare to this kind of relationship, and every grandparent will surely agree that their grandkids have changed their lives.

At a very young age, grandchildren can be taught how to:. Older grandchildren can be taught more complex tasks, especially those that are in line with their particular interests.

No matter what a child's interests, however, certain practical skills are always appropriate. Grandparents expect to love their grandchildren, for the most part. They plan to dote on them and spoil them a bit. They may not have expected the powerful and immediate bond that many grandparents feel with a newborn grandchild. They may not have been prepared for the overwhelming surge of unconditional love. Parents are the most important source of unconditional love, but parental love can be complicated.

It tends to be all bound up with hopes and expectations and ambitions for children. Sometimes parental egos get involved. Grandparent love is a little simpler. We've lived long enough to know that human lives seldom go in a straight-line trajectory toward success. We all falter and fall back, and at those times we need a little extra love. A close relationship with grandparents helps grandchildren grow in confidence. It makes them feel worthy.

It gives them security. Contrary to popular opinion, grandparents don't always spoil their grandchildren, and we don't always think that they are perfect. Often we feel that modern children need a little less attention and a little more discipline. But none of that alters the unconditional love we feel for our grandchildren. We would fight tigers for them. Besides the four crucial things that grandparents can do for their grandchildren, they can also do tons of fun things with them.

Find neat activities to do with your grandchildren on special occasions, vacations, and every day:. Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Use precise geolocation data. Select personalised content. Create a personalised content profile. Measure ad performance. Select basic ads.

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