by Ann Hinds

Created on: April 11, 2009   Last Updated: October 14, 2009

He knows all the lyrics to the songs of the 60's. I recognize the Jonas Brothers and I watch Sponge Bob Square Pants. Bridging the generation gap is a challenge for anyone raising a grandchild. It is not a choice. The world is different and grandparents raising grandchildren have to adapt.

Grandparents raising grandchildren are more fortunate than previous generations. Many are Baby Boomer's who are more active and more in tune with the today's trends. Still, there are some tips that will make bridging the generation gap easier.

Being computer savvy is necessary. That does not mean that you setup a Twitter account but you should be able to understand what sites your grandchild is visiting. You must know how to use the security features. You may not think that a computer is necessary but teachers design homework for computer research. The youngest generation is tied into the computer in ways that prior generations could not have imagined. Cell phones have more flexibility. They are not necessary for your grandchild to survive in school. Cell phone usage is an issue that you can debate, as the child gets older.

If your child is interested after school activities, then so are you. Sports, drama and martial arts are great ideas. If you are raising a grandchild, you know that their lives have been disturbed and after school activities are good for building self-esteem. Active grandparents can do a lot to make these activities worthwhile. If you cannot coach a team, be the team parent. Grandchildren need their grandparents to be involved in their activities just like the other kids.

Volunteering at the school will help build a child's self-esteem. When you are on campus, other children say, "Hey, there's your grandma". You are visible. Without words, you are showing your grandchild that they are important to you. Besides, what better way to give back by helping the school? You have valuable skills and knowledge. It is also a great way to monitor what is happening at school.

Drugs are rampant. If you are raising a grandchild, drugs may have been part of the problem. This is an area you need to control. If you are lacking in knowledge, most counties have programs and information on drug abuse. The Internet has a wealth of information and schools can provide resources. Set down rules as soon as the child is able to understand.

Bridging the generation gap requires communication. If your child does not talk to you now, you have little chance for success in the future. It is frustrating listening to a younger child trying to tell you about something. You just want them to get to the point. By holding back and letting them finish, they learn that you are really listening to them. There are times when you would like to add an editorial comment to their tale but think before you speak. Yes, you can turn it into a learning experience but there are times when it is better to listen only.

Do not give into peer pressure. As a grandparent, raising a grandson, I learned my lesson the first time. There is no generation gap when it comes to peer pressure. I will stop any friendships that I know will move my grandson towards drugs. Messed this one up the first time, it will not happen again. Being the grandparent, I have a little more wisdom.

Read what they read. Watch what they watch. Accept and celebrate that your grandchild has allowed you to exist in their world. Expect them to respect your generation. There does not have to be a generation gap. You were young once.

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