by Muki Mhaise

Created on: January 22, 2007   Last Updated: April 11, 2007

Parenting the next generation

Grand parenting is not an easy issue to unpack, nor is it a role, like parenting, that can be prescribed in black and white.Grandparenting, like most relationships is relative to the already existing family structure. Some basic aspects are however common, even on a global level.

An obvious given is that grand parenting is easier than being the actual parenting, once again provided that situation is traditional in terms of the child having both parents and living with them. It is easier because, as a grandparent, one has been a parent and hence has the wisdom which comes from experience and is usually one step ahead than the parents and the child in terms of discerning problems or milestones. The grandparent is able to summon experience to ease some elements of parenting for the parents. Grandparents are also able to offer an objective yet a love filled view of certain scenarios which may seem problematic. This is because they are close enough to be affected by the situation yet far enough to assess with a non bias look.

The joys of being a grandparent are many; it is like having a baby without the pain of labour, if you are the granny, enjoying a new miracle without having to bear its little qualms such as sleepless nights and dealing with a baby fighting you at every feed. Although the responsibility of being a grand parent is not as demanding as being the actual parent, it is however, as very important role as it is significant in the identity developing process of a child. The grandparents give the child, more than the parents can, a sense of history which comes with a sense of belonging to "a people" if I may. The grandparents can share insight to the child about where that come from and how they are affected by gene ology .Most importantly grandparents can assure the young ones that should life happen, they would still have the greatest wealth of all and that si the security of knowing you are loved and accepted for all and who you are.

For the grandparents themselves, the joy comes from participating in the raising and hence the shaping of the next generation. It is thrill to know that one does not have had to be a famous or an affluent person to leave a lasting legacy in this world. For these above reasons three cheers to all who have held the position of grandparent and guardian of the next generation.

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