by Penny Howington

Created on: February 03, 2010

Studies have shown that the special bond between grandparents and their grandchildren is very unique and lifelong.  Grandchildren that are close to their grandparents as children tend to maintain that relationship as adults. Grandparents can greatly influence a child’s life in many ways. Because grandparents have their grandchildren’s best interests at heart, they can make them feel secure and safe. Many grandparents are more stable than their younger offspring, and this can create a constant in a child’s life that is mutually rewarding.

Grandparents bring another set of good role models into a child’s life. A 1998 study which was published in Pediatrics found that children as young as pre-school age gained great benefit both developmentally and behaviorally from strong relationships with their extended family members.  Grandparents are trusted advisors, and act as family historians which tends to create a sense of family values and pride in children. Special stories, hobbies and activities shared between grandparents and their grandchildren tend to bridge the gap between generations now gone and instill a sense of belonging. Grandparents also usually have more time to spend quality time with grandchildren.  This helps to enhance a child’s learning and developmental progression. 

Grandparents that are also child care providers for their grandchildren have a huge opportunity to make a difference in the child’s life.  Being with grandma or grandpa is less stressful on the child than other daycare because it is a familiar and loving environment.  There is also a constant set of rules and expectations for the child. Grandparents have the opportunity on a daily basis to nurture, listen to and guide their grandchildren through the trials and tribulations of daily life.  Studies have shown that values, knowledge and attitudes that have been learned from grandparents stay with a child for a lifetime.  Grandparents also gain priceless benefits from close interaction with grandchildren.  They gain a new sense of purpose and energy, and receive the love and admiration of their grandchildren. The love they return helps build self-esteem in grandchildren and the awareness that they are valuable and worthy.

Maintaining close relationships with grandchildren is a benefit to all.  Grandparents provide a second set of parents to support values, behaviors and discipline.  Parents know their children are in a safe and nurturing environment.  Grandparents have the unique opportunity to influence and guide their grandchildren positively.  The results of this positive influence is seen even in infants as studies have shown a connection between contact with grandparents as infants and higher developmental test scores.  The unconditional love between a grandparent and grandchild has lasting, lifetime influence. 

 Sources:

http://www.parenthood.com/article-topics/the_grandpa rent_grandchild_bond.html

http://www.aarpinternational.org/resourcelibrary/res ourcelibrary_show.htm?doc_id=676636

http://www.theparentszone.com/parenting-skills/how-t o-bond-your-children-with-their-grandparents/

http://gerontologist.gerontologyjournals.org/cgi/rep rint/40/2/179.pdf

http://www.babyzone.com/mom_dad/love_friendship/gran dparents-and-extended/article/child-grandparent-conn ection

http://www.eduguide.org/Students-Library/Importance- of-Grandparents-1240.aspx

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?artic lekey=51340

http://www.grandparentstoday.com/resources/articles/ important.php

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