Importance of Grandparents

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Grandparents are a very important part of the life of a child. They can not only assist the parents on many levels but can develop a line of communication with the child which when nurtured will create a bond that will extend thru life. It would be a mistake for the grandparent to try to assume the role of parent. The parent should be the child’s dominate figure of authority. The grandparents should be the provider of hugs and unconditional support.

When I was a little girl on a few rare occasions my family went over to Mr. and Mrs. Roberts house for dinner. They were older and friends of my parents. I never knew their first names. The thing that remains so clear in my memory is that when we got there Mrs. Roberts would offer us a bottle of Coca Cola. We were never given Coca Cola at home because it cost 15cents. Dad always wanted us to say “No thank you.” to Mrs. Roberts. But she would “poo poo” him and give us one anyway. That was heaven. It is a memory I cherish even 50+ years later.

The point is that this is an important part of the role of a grandparent. They are there to offer unconditional love and support. We are not the parent. It is my opinion that a grandparent can not “spoil” a child. Parents can but if the parent is doing his job then the grandparent becomes the “good cop”. A “sleepover” at Grammy’s is something to look forward to. The grandparent can be of assistance to the parents by them providing a temporary relief while giving the child some loving indulgence.

It is all about roles. The grandparent is not responsible for the all important disciplinary rules. Having “been there done that” many years ago we realize that in the big picture small infractions are only spilt milk. Don’t misunderstand. The rules are very important. But the role of the grandparent is more of the advocate.

The grandparent has many other roles to fill and touches the lives of each person in the family in different ways. I like to think that I am helping to build memories of a life time for the grandchildren.

Love you, Grammy

P.S. If you would like to ask me a question and get my advice on an issue or how I would handle a situation. Feel free to ask me question and I will get back to you shortly. I look forward to helping in any way I can.

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