There are endless benefits you and your children can enjoy when you develop relationships with family. In particular, you should actively ensure that your children’s parents make time for them. Their bond as grandchild and grandparent can lead to various positive outcomes.
Here are five reasons to consider building a meaningful relationship with your kids’ grandparents.
1. Hear Stories and Experience Traditions
Your kids’ grandma and grandpa are likely your oldest family members. Therefore, they have many stories, beliefs and traditions to pass onto their grandchildren. These are unique tidbits that your kids will hold dear for years. Then, they’ll pass them down to their own children.
The most significant knowledge they’ll possess may center around family history. They likely have tales and practices that come from those familial ties. In fact, your children will become more well-adjusted as they hear about their ancestors’ success and triumphs.
Your kids will feel love, happiness and support as they navigate these thoughts and experiences. They don’t even have to be grandiose tales or fancy traditions for that matter. They should simply be things that bring your family closer together.
2. Learn Unique Life Lessons
There’s no denying that older generations have extensive knowledge. Their life experiences can serve as a valuable tool for different reasons. Their awareness doesn’t mean you’re not a suitable teacher. It’s only that your kids’ parents can help them understand specific topics you might not know how to convey — and that’s priceless.
Does your child have to complete a project about 1960’s fashion? They can ask grandma for a first-hand account! What did she wear on a daily basis? The same idea applies to basic life lessons. Grandpa’s time as a business owner will instill hard work, time management and other skills.
In several situations, your children can become more informed individuals due to their grandparents’ influence. There’s a reason why people call older adults “wise.” They won’t always be right, but you can expect them to know things you haven’t yet come across.
3. Boost Physical and Mental Activity
If your kids spend time with grandma and grandpa, you may notice they’re more physically and mentally active altogether. Your children will have extra playmates to accompany them when playing games and trying activities. This aspect supports your kids’ and their grandparents’ overall wellness.
As a result, you can ensure they’re as healthy as possible. It becomes harder for older adults to manage their well-being by themselves as they age. That’s important to consider when your loved ones may encounter various issues — like the more than 5 million Americans who have dementia.
In other words, it’s beneficial for both kids and grandparents when they play together. These activities can be as simple as taking a walk to their local park to watch your kids swing. It all adds up to positive outcomes that they’ll carry with them for years to come.
4. Make a Different Connection
Your children will have unique connections with various family members. That’s because their perspectives and experiences change through their interactions. Your kids and their grandparents can generate a supportive bond that differs from what you’ve created with them.
This point doesn’t mean your children will prefer their grandparents over you. Instead, they’ll have a chance to build numerous relationships that they can look to for love and care. It’s always nice to have “teammates” on your side to offer assistance.
Wouldn’t you want your kids to ask their grandparents for advice when they need help? If they don’t want to come to you, it’s better for them to have someone else they love to aid them through a rough time.
5. Reduce Stress and Other Negative Emotions
A stable relationship between kids and their grandparents leads to fewer negative feelings. In fact, you’ll notice your family seems less stressed and anxious as a result. This outcome occurs because you share your burdens with them — and it’s no secret that kids can be troublesome.
There’s a reason why people say “it takes a village” to raise children. You can benefit extensively from grandparents’ help. They can be a critical support system as they offer to babysit, cook and perform other duties that make life easier for everyone.
In most cases, you’ll see that your children’s grandparents love to offer such assistance. Your kids allow them to learn new lessons and experience new things. It’s a mutual give-and-take situation. Therefore, you and your partner can breathe a little bit.
It’s Necessary to Build a Connection With Family When Possible
If your kids have attentive, loving grandparents, you should do your best to build that relationship. There are numerous advantages your entire family will experience due to such connections. Your children will learn lessons and endure experiences that can positively shape their lives — and that’s all thanks to their grandparents.
