There is a lot of talk about the importance of a positive parent-child relationship for the emotional and social development of the little ones. It is a subject intensively studied and promoted among parents and people who work with children. However, less is said about the positive relationship between children and grandparents and the many benefits it can have for both parties.
Grandparents and the importance of the relationship with grandchildren
In the opinion of teachers from the best CBSE school near Garia, a close and warm relationship between grandparents and grandchildren benefits the children and their subsequent development.
Many studies show that a high level of involvement from grandparents is beneficial for nursery school children's well-being. It has been observed that those children who benefit from the involvement of grandparents face fewer emotional and behavioural problems. They face fewer adaptation difficulties, especially teenagers who come from families with divorced or separated parents.
The role of the grandfather versus the role of the grandmother in the relationship with the grandchildren is different and independent. In general, grandmothers are concerned and involved in everything related to feeding children. Grandparents do activities with them and become their mentors.
As observed in children from a good primary school near me, the grandchildren who are emotionally close to their grandparents have a lower risk of depression in adulthood.
Children need roots, they need to feel that they belong to a family, a place, or a story. Grandparents can fulfil this need by sharing with their grandchildren family traditions and customs, stories from their past, recipes, and games. All this enriches and broadens the children's horizons.
In close relationships, grandparents can become the grandchildren's confidants, especially in cases where the grandparents do not have the same authoritative figure as the parents. The grandparents are an important source of support, stability, and financial support for the family and children.
The frequent interactions between grandparents and nursery school children also imply an enrichment of knowledge on both sides. Grandparents tell their grandchildren stories, anecdotes, and life lessons, while children also have knowledge to offer (for example, about new trends in technology).
How involved grandparents should be in raising and educating their grandchildren is a delicate matter, to which many factors contribute. At the best CBSE school near Garia, we recommend each family decides how necessary the grandparents' help and involvement are. Balance is important for everyone involved.
Grandparents' and grandchildren’s activities at home
Family tree drawing. It is a way for the child to realize that his family is bigger than he imagines. It is also a suitable occasion for stories told by grandparents about family members.
Browsing photo albums. If the current trend is to keep photos more in electronic format, albums with printed photos give children the opportunity to find out the stories behind the images.
Reading. Whether it's before bed or as a distinct activity throughout the day, reading with grandparents (or by grandparents, for young children) reinforces the idea of the importance of reading.
Cooking. The time spent in the kitchen (with grandma most of the time), involved in a process in all its stages, is an opportunity to connect, but also to train the attention and motivation of the little ones.
Sharing a passion or learning a hobby. Every grandparent has at least one activity that pleases them. And if the children are also involved, the gain is on both sides. The little ones are interested in discovering new activities.
Connecting through technology. When grandparents and grandchildren live far from each other (in different cities or even countries), distance should not impede communication. Internet access makes communication possible whenever grandparents and grandchildren want to spend time together.
Outdoor walks. A trip to the park, a walk in nature, or a picnic outside are healthy habits that children should get used to. And the movement is beneficial for grandparents and grandchildren alike.
When the relationship between grandparents and grandchildren is positive, the benefits are on both sides. The relationship between a child and a grandparent is different from that between a child and parents. Moreover, it can be a unique connection, with a high impact on the child's development.
If the grandparents are willing to be involved in the child's upbringing and can cope brilliantly with this challenge, teachers from the best primary school near me recommend giving them this chance. Involve them in the child's life from the beginning, step by step, ask them to help with household chores, to walk the baby in the park or to hold him until you take a shower, to have a breather time, or to spend time only with the spouse.
Regarding the expectations we have from grandparents to strictly follow our rules, sometimes they are unrealistic and can cause frustration on both sides. The child will understand what he is allowed to do at home and what he is allowed to do at his grandparents. We have to be reasonable and recognize that it can be a wonderful thing for our child to be spoiled once in a while or not have very strict rules on vacation.
The more memories our child has with their grandparents, the more bonds of love, trust, and friendship they will build with them. During the vacation with the grandparents, the child relaxes and enjoys a lot of attention from them, and this helps the child to have a healthy emotional balance. Grandparents can create an oasis of peace and happiness if we allow them.
