Grandparents’ Role In Children’s Lives
The role of grandparents in the family and in society has changed a lot in recent times. Their intervention, which in the past was more discreet and optional, has now in many cases become more active and necessary.
The role of grandparents
The role of grandparents is very important in the lives of grandchildren and in family life in general. They are extremely valuable – both in the family logistics as well as the emotional development of children.
The voice of experience
First and foremost, grandparents are a source of knowledge and experience. Thanks to their age and everything they have gone through, they can offer a different and broader perspective than younger generations.
In situations of crisis, anger, fear, or confusion , their point of view can help revitalize their grandchildren and help them make better decisions.
Emotional support
For both parents and grandchildren, grandparents are an important point of connection. This is especially the case after the birth of the first child, as parents often feel scared and overwhelmed. The support and advice from grandparents can provide peace of mind and encouragement to first-time parents.
Furthermore , grandparents can help with everything according to the care of their grandchildren. In this way, they show their own child that they are able to take on the task of caring for the new addition in the family.
The role of grandparents in a family culture
Grandparents are the central core and unifying point of a family. Thanks to them, their descendants can learn more about the history of their family clan. Furthermore , they help to create a sense of identity and belonging when telling stories about family history.
At the same time , their role is fundamental when it comes to passing on family values and keeping the family together.
In general, it is grandparents who make the greatest effort to keep the family together. It is also grandparents who most enjoy watching their offspring spend time together. Grandparents remind us of the importance and privilege that the family bond represents.
Responsibility and empathy
Grandparents encourage a natural sense of sympathy and respect in their grandchildren.
It is not uncommon to see grandparents calmly soothe their grandchildren in the midst of a tantrum, even when the parents are not successful. At the same time, children are quick to do what their grandparents ask for, while they may be hesitant to obey their parents.
Furthermore , children develop empathy and a natural instinct for caring by understanding the age and limitations of their grandparents. They are actually able to worry about their grandparents and modify their behavior to ensure their well-being.
Learning from grandchildren
Grandchildren are not the only ones who benefit from this multigenerational relationship. Just as grandparents bless and enrich the lives of their grandchildren, grandchildren also have a positive impact on their grandparents.
Grandchildren help grandparents feel younger and more lively. They allow their grandparents to relive parenting from a more relaxed and friendly angle. They create a bond of trust and complicity that is beneficial to both parties.
Furthermore, older children can bring their grandparents into debates, technology, and advances in the modern world. They can help them become more involved and progress in the community so that they are not left behind.
The role of grandparents in education
As we have mentioned above, the role of grandparents in the past was very different from the role they have today. Grandparents were often less involved in previous generations, and their participation was more optional. Today, however, there are many parents who need to reach out to their grandparents for financial or logistical support.
This is due to the current configuration of families and modern society. However, this often puts grandparents in a complicated situation. They are expected to take responsibility for the care of their grandchildren, but at the same time parents ask them not to interfere in their education.
It is common for parents to tend to “spoil” their grandchildren. It is also common for parents to feel that their authority is being questioned by certain actions on behalf of the grandparents.
It is okay for fathers and mothers to want to be responsible for making decisions according to the upbringing of their children. However, one should not forget that grandparents take on a task that does not belong to them, because of love. Sometimes this goes beyond their physical and emotional capacities.
Therefore, try to focus on what is really important in the upbringing of your children. As with everything else, you need to trust your parents’ criteria and be grateful for their support. If you can work together as an ally, everyone will win – especially your children.
