The Special Relationship between Children and their Grandparents
A recent survey from the AARP found America’s 70 million grandparents play a foundational role in helping young adults grow and thrive. This includes passing along family values, advising grandchildren in practical life skills, and providing a valuable source of emotional support. As part of the “it takes a village” adage, grandparents are consistent, trusted adults who help nurture independence and self-confidence within their grandchildren.
As many parents are balancing childrearing with building a career, stress levels are at an all-time high. This is where grandparents can offer parents needed support and practical help, emotional backing and the reassurance of having another loving presence in their children’s lives. Also, when grandparents share family history, it does more than just entertain. It connects the child with their family story.
A recent study by Oxford University found when grandparents are involved in grandchildren’s lives it improves their well-being and reduces emotional and behavioral problems. Furthermore, many grandparents are retired or working less than they did when they were younger and have more time for undivided attention to their grandchildren, giving tired and busy parents a chance to rest and even reduce household stress.
While the unconditionally love grandparents provide helps a child feel safe and secure; the benefits go both ways. The saying that being a grandparent can keep you young, is probably reflective of the joy, energy and renewed sense of purpose grandchildren can bring to an older adult’s life. Dr. Maria Carney, chief of geriatric and palliative medicine at Northwell Health and co-author of The Aging Revolution: The History of Geriatric Health Care and What Really Matters to Older Adults, says, “Being an involved, active, supportive, storytelling grandparent has potential healthy aging benefits.” She adds key elements are feeling purposeful, staying active, and having gratitude.
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