Let’s recognize that one of the biggest achievements for grandparents can be contributing to their grandkids’ success! But did you know that while you were investing time in your grandkids, you were padding your account too? Read on to discover the important benefits of grandparenting and intergenerational bonding!
Grandparenting – Benefits for Grandchildren
Improved Academic Performance
Children who enjoy close relationships with their grandparents are more likely to have higher academic success than those who do not, research suggests. Reading to the grandkids, playing educational games, sharing knowledge and experiences, and taking a genuine interest in your grandkids’ schooling helps set the stage for success. Furthermore, grandparents can also help instill a love for learning and curiosity, as well as providing encouragement and support during challenging scholastic times.
Emotional Support and Stability
The emotional support grandparents provide creates a secure foundation, fostering resilience and well-being. The unconditional love and understanding grandparents offer become a sanctuary during challenging times. This promotes emotional stability that has a lasting impact on the overall mental health of your grandchildren. Through storytelling, shared experiences and family traditions, grandparents provide a connection to family roots enhancing a sense of belonging and contributing to a positive self-image. As reported in the Journal of Social Issues, “greater cohesion with grandparents decreased symptoms of depression” in the grandchildren.
Better Social Skills
In spending time with you, the grandkids develop their communication skills, as well as learning etiquette, cooperation, and a sense of respect for others. Regular interactions with grandparents expose children to a diversity of perspectives, helping them navigate life with empathy and understanding.
Reduced Risk of Behavioral Problems
“Spending time with a grandparent is linked with better social skills and fewer behavior problems among adolescents,” according to a study published by the American Psychological Association in the Journal of Family Psychology.
As their grandparent, you can serve as a stabilizing force and positive role model in the lives of your grandchildren. That’s especially helpful in turbulent times. Observing healthy behaviors, coping mechanisms, and interpersonal skills demonstrated by grandparents can have a profound influence on grandchildren’s behavior, encouraging them to emulate positive traits. Imparting ethical principles and a strong moral compass helps guide your grandchildren in making responsible choices, reducing the risk of engaging in behaviors that may lead to problems.
The Time You Spent Together Is Mutually Beneficial
“We found that an emotionally close grandparent-adult grandchild relationship was associated with fewer symptoms of depression for both generations,” in a Boston College study. Furthermore, Moorman reported, “The greater emotional support grandparents and adult grandchildren received from one another, the better their psychological health.”
Grandparenting – Benefits for Grandparents
Improved Mood
Being actively involved in the lives of grandchildren can provide you a sense of purpose and fulfillment. The opportunity to nurture, guide, and share experiences, instills a sense of significance and meaning, positively impacting your emotional wellbeing.
Connection and Bonding
The strong emotional bond formed through spending quality time with grandchildren fosters a deep sense of connection. Knowing that you are an integral part of your grandchildren’s lives creates a feeling of being loved and needed, which can uplift your mood.
Rediscovering the Joy of Play
George Bernard Shaw said, “We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” From the time they’re little into adulthood, time spent playing together can increase your joy. It also relieves stress, promoting relaxation and a more positive outlook.
Wonderful Memories
Many of our most cherished memories center around time spent with loved ones. Reliving nostalgic times and shared memories can bring immense joy, happiness and contentment.
Emotional Support
In spending time together, your grandkids can provide you emotional support, offering a listening ear and companionship. This is especially helpful in combating feelings of loneliness or isolation.
Grandchildren as Caregivers
Did you ever imagine that one day, it might be one or more of your grandchildren caring for you? It’s more common than most people realize. In fact, at Sunlight, we often get requests from adult grandchildren to become part of their grandparent’s care team. Our recent article on multigenerational households pointed out that 60 million Americans live with grandparents, parents and children all in the same home. And in a significant number of those homes, those grandchildren are adults.
So what’s the answer to the question, “Grandparenting – who benefits more?” Everyone!
