Grandparents are important in the lives of young children

September 2023, by Judith Ehret- Coach, Child Care Connections

Grandparents have played a huge role in the lives of their grandchildren for decades. This role is more important then you think. Depending on how far away they live, and other circumstances, grandparents can be caregivers, teachers, and playmates to your children. In addition to being a trusted advisor for their own children who are taking the role of parents themselves, sharing time and caring for their grandchildren is the cherry on the cake.

For so many families, grandparents provide regular childcare, and in some cases are the primary caregivers for their grandkids. And… grandparents that share in the life of their grandchildren, the love and emotional closeness they provide makes such a positive impact on their grandchild’s healthy development. And guess what? Grandparents that spend time on a regular basis with their grandkids live longer more fulfilled lives. Yep! It’s a win-win situation. Both grandparents and their grandkids benefit from time together.

Grandparents have this ability to make their grandchildren smile! No one nurtures happiness like a grandma or a grandpa. There are so many special things that surround a good hug from grandma and grandpa. Hugs make you feel safe, secure, and the best part is the release of oxytocin for both the grandkids and grandparents. What does this mean exactly? Well, when grandma gives her grandkid a hug, both their brains release this feel-good neurotransmitter that brings up those feelings of love and a bonding with strong connection. Next time you give or take a hug, think of it as a dose of emotional medicine if you will. A hug is a powerful thing!

We all want grandma and grandpa to be with us for a long time. It turns out grandkids can help with this. Now please don’t drop your kids off at grandma’s house for a week at a time, but do consider setting up play dates, sleep overs, or special family dinners so your kids can spend quality time with their grandparents. Studies have shown that those grandparents that spend time often with their grandkids have about a 42% lower mortality rate compared to the grandparents of the same age who do not have the opportunity to share closely in the lives of their grandchildren. That is almost half!

 The time spent between the grandkids and grandparents is a sure proof way to provide some incredible mental shifts. Grandparents teach the way to love unconditionally, they can give you better insight into your parents and family history, they are amazing story tellers, spending time with them can help reduce Ageism, and overall, it will build a child’s emotional intelligence.  There is more! Grandparents provide loving care, calming presence, they share a plethora of skills, they teach just about anything you could ever want to learn, and most of all…they provide a love that is like no other love!

 Investing in the lives of your own parents, and your children is one of the most special times in your life. Incorporate them both when you can. The benefits are beyond anything they would get from anywhere else. It’s free of charge, builds long last value and strength within families and sharpens the perspective of all who are involved. So, Yah, Grandparents are pretty darn great! Go get your hugs today, and spend a little time together!