What’s so grand about being a grandparent?
In no particular order, grandparenting is an opportunity to play, to love someone new, to appreciate the magic of a developing mind, and to be needed by someone again. Grandparents can:
- Share the things they’re passionate about with a new audience.
- See the world in a new way through younger eyes.
- Experience games, music, nature, reading, and other interests in conjunction with a curious young mind.
- Provide expanded support and encouragement to their grandchildren.
- Use their breadth of experience to avoid the pitfalls they may have encountered as parents the first time around.
- Watch children develop through all stages of growth.
- Learn about their grandkids’ music and passions.
- Provide input that parents cannot.
Usually, grandparents have the benefit of interacting on a level that is once removed from the day-to-day responsibilities of parents. This can make it easier to develop a close bond with grandchildren. From near or far, grandparenting can provide continuity in a child’s life. Grandparents are often the family historians, and can add a rich sense of family tradition to a child’s life. Additionally, contact with grandparents can teach children positive attitudes towards aging and help them develop skills to enhance their own lifelong learning.
