Kids Need Their Grandparents

by Lisa Brock

It can be difficult for children to have a meaningful relationship with grandparents in today’s world particularly where distance separates. Yet, kids desperately need their grandparents. They teach your children things that you can’t or don’t have time to — and they connect them in a special way to their family’s unique history and past.

But most important, they can make your child feel loved, and everyone can use that. When your kids are grown, they will never forget their visits with their grandparents, and they will treasure those memories the rest of their lives.

Here are a few ways to nurture this relationship:

Connect with Grandma and Grandpa by talking about them frequently. Make it a point to tell your child how much Grandma loves her and how special Grandpa thinks she is.
Call often. Give your child a chance to talk to his grandparents on the phone. Even if your child can’t talk yet, put the phone to his ear so he can learn their voices. Besides, his grandparents will enjoy hearing his cooing and gurgling.
Visit whenever you can. Nothing replaces the hugs and kisses that most grandparents are willing to share. If possible, set up a regular time so your child can look forward to it.
Give grandparents time alone with your child. Take the opportunity to go on a date with your spouse while your parents build memories with their grandchild. The baton that your parents pass to your child will help him in the race of life, especially when he has children and grandchildren of his own.
Discover your parents’ expectations and listen to them. The more open you are about the relationship, the more likely you are to find a way of doing things that works for everyone.
Be patient. For some, grandparenting doesn’t come easily. But once everyone is comfortable with the relationship, visiting grandparents can be truly memorable.

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