Grandma and grandpa are right, you will need them! If you have ever wondered whether parents, parents-in-law, or other elderly relatives are important to the healthy development of your child, the answer is yes.
Of course, you want to make sure that those grandparents are positive influences in your child’s life. But overall, there are many reasons why being close to a grandparent can be beneficial to your child in both the short and long term.
- unconditional interaction
The affection associated with grandparents is often felt differently than the relationship between parents and children. This is because grandparents are (in most cases) indifferent to stressful issues such as discipline or saving money for school. Instead, interaction with the child can take place constantly, unaffected by everyday issues.
- A wealth of knowledge
Grandparents have much to teach their young children. They can make children aware of how life was in the past, how to avoid making mistakes, and many other things that they are not exposed to in other learning opportunities. By being with their elders, children absorb this knowledge without even knowing it.
- Promoting Happiness and Well-Being
A recent study published in The Gerontologist found that children who have close relationships with their grandparents tend to experience less depressive symptoms. But that’s not all. Grandparents who are close to and spend time with their grandchildren can actually experience the same benefits.
- Consistency, safety
In a rapidly changing world, grandparents provide a sense of security and stability. By still being here even in old age, they make their children feel that they always have a safe place to go. Grandparents are a constant presence, and children grow up with that sense of security.
- Passing on the legacy
No matter where you are from or who you are, your family will have important traditions that go back decades, or even centuries. Your parents are a great resource for understanding these traditions and passing them on to your young children. Maybe one day the three of you will participate in these powerful customs together.
- add support.
Grandparents can be a great source of support for families, especially in times of crisis. An Oxford University study found that grandparents are especially important supporters during a divorce or separation. In addition, studies have shown that many children have fewer emotional and behavioral problems due to the extra support of grandparents.
- love their job.
It is a bit of a cliché to say that grandparents love being grandparents, but it often rings true. According to a 2004 survey, 53% of respondents said they were “very satisfied” with the role of grandparents, and another 41% said they were “satisfied” with the role. You can’t beat those numbers.
- good behavior
Most grandparents take their jobs seriously (as we saw in the previous section). In other words, they really want to be a good role model for their grandchildren because they know the gravity of their position in the family. When children are left with their parents, it is usually safe to assume that they will all do good deeds!
- Fast friendship
Grandparents and grandchildren usually become fast friends. Many children even consider their grandparents more like friends than their parents, who need to legislate more often. Developing friendships across generations is especially important for children, who learn the importance of such friendships at an early age.
- Two-way street
While the focus here is on grandparents providing benefits to their children, the reverse is also true. By being with their children, parents and in-laws will feel rejuvenated, needed, and involved. In particular, a good relationship with your grandchildren will have a positive impact on your physical and mental health.
So, that’s the end of the story. Nannies and dads are actually the best people on the planet to spend time with children. And not only because they provide more babysitting so you can have a little time to yourself, but that’s just the icing on the cake.
