Grandparents & Grandchildren

What makes the bond between grandparents and grandkids so special? From the general silliness to the extra source of love, this bond is unbreakable.
  
There's a special bond between grandparents and grandkids. It's a relationship based on love, appreciation, fun and pure joy.

When you become a grandparent, it can change your life in many wonderful ways.

When asked for the best thing about having grandchildren, grandparents talk about the joys of loving and being loved, watching children grow, and seeing themselves live on through their grandchildren.

One of the great things about becoming a grandparent is loving and caring for your grandchildren without being responsible for them in the same way their parents are.

Many people are amazed and delighted at the joy, fun and love that becoming grandparents brings to their lives. The special bonds that can develop between you and your grandchildren can lead to a really beautiful and rewarding relationship.

The relationship between grandparents and grandchildren can have a very positive influence on children’s development too. Children who have warm relationships with their grandparents can bounce back better during life’s ups and downs.

This is true for all families but especially for children in high-risk families – for example, children with disabilities and children in families after a separation.

1. History 

Kids may hate learning about history in schoolbooks and from old paintings and pictures, but they may find it more interesting to learn from someone who actually lived it. Children can find out what it was like to grow up during the Great Depression or World War II from grandparents who experienced life during that time. Personal stories are much easier to remember than lists of names and dates from books. 

2. A New Skill Set

When they were growing up, many senior citizens learned skills such as sewing, gardening, baking, farming or woodworking. These are great things to pass on to grandchildren, as they may not be commonly taught anymore, but are still very useful talents to possess.

3. Wisdom

Grandchildren may turn to grandparents for life lessons and other advice because they've often lived through the same or similar experience - possibly more than once. 

4. Family History

Everyone has those old black and white pictures of unknown relatives, but grandma and grandpa may actually know where they were taken and who the mystery people are. Teach grandchildren about their family tree -- who are their cousins, aunts, uncles and great grandparents? There will be tons of family members they didn't know existed. Maybe you can share funny stories about their parents when they were young.

5. Humor

Teasing is a part of growing up, but when it comes from someone who loves you unconditionally, it's way more enjoyable. Teaching jokes and pranks to grandchildren is a great way to bond and enables them to understand how to react if they're being teased by their own peers. Help grandchildren play a prank on their parents!

6. Listening

Children are used to parents listening to what they say, and expect others will do the same. While this is normal for young children, it's important they learn how to listen to others as well. Listening to grandparents' stories helps grandchildren learn how to listen and understand what others are telling them.

7. Games

Ever played bridge, canasta, pinochle or pitch? These card games - staples to older generations - are falling out of style with the advent of video games and smartphones. Teach grandchildren what you did for fun when you were young - they might find they have a new favourite game!

8. Emotional Support

Having a sounding board who doesn't spend every day with you, like a parent does, can be invaluable when trying to navigate the early teens. Adolescents rely heavily on each other during their formative years and grandparents can serve as an impartial source that can help them understand which friends they can trust and which they cannot.

9. Don't Sweat The Small Stuff

Grandparents have lived long enough to realise not to get upset over the little things; life is too short. Young grandchildren think everything is hyper-important, but can learn to adjust their priorities after discussing problems with their grandparents, who have a broader world view.
 
10. Snail Mail

Don't let the art of letter writing fade. It's great practice for kids who are learning how to spell and write. Set up some pen pal time with your grandchildren and you can each send postcards, letters or souvenirs from your latest excursion. You'll both have a great time waiting for the next letter to come in the mail, and you'll grow closer in the process.