Grandparents – A Treasure That Benefits Us All

Have you ever stopped to think about the importance and influence grandparents have in so many families? They are characters that we trust are always there for us. The help they offer us is completely unique. All the benefit they bring to grandchildren and children goes far beyond what we can possibly imagine.

Grandparents do not just play a fundamental role in the family. As a society, we also benefit from their input, and the bonds that have been created and nurtured, thanks to them. In this article, we will look at all the benefits they contribute.

Psychological benefits for parents

Not so many years ago, the norm was for the father to work outside the home, and the mother to do housework. Those days have changed. Both fathers and mothers are immersed in the workplace, but also in housework.

Because of this  , it is very unlikely that the sum of the time dedicated by them will be equal to that which their mothers used to dedicate to them. In many circumstances, many grandparents lend a helping hand and stay with their grandchildren when neither parent is available. The parents’ minds will be calm, as their children could hardly have been in better hands.

Apart from being a clear support for parents,  grandparents can also give advice from their experiences. This is especially the case when questions arise about how children should be brought up. In addition to this, they are able to live out the daily difficulties of a family life. Finally, we must not forget their valuable role as intermediaries in conflicts that may arise in the family.

“Grandparents, like heroes, are just as necessary for children’s growth as vitamins.”

-Joyce Allston-

Psychological benefits of grandparents for their grandchildren

As grandchildren, those of us who have had the opportunity to enjoy their company are aware of the indelible mark that grandparents leave in our lives. But this is not only a subjective feeling, it is also very objective. On the one hand, they are not as strict with rules as parents, and the time with grandchildren is therefore more focused on enjoyment.

In this way, when they are with grandparents , grandchildren get the two things that they value most, and that stimulate their growth: attention and time. They feel safe and they are listened to. At the same time, they have fun, play with people who love them and who they love. On the other hand, values ​​are nurtured when you are with grandparents, such as respect and consideration for their experiences.

These benefits do not end when our childhood ends. It has been noticed that adults who valued their grandparents as children  developed a more effective and adaptive social and emotional skill. This allows them to develop more and better emotional bonds and have a healthier and happier social life.

Psychological benefits for grandparents

This special relationship not only benefits children. Thanks to this role of grandparents,  they feel useful, valued and occupied. They usually have better self-esteem than others their age who do not have grandchildren or direct contact with them.

Like their grandchildren when they are with them,  the grandparents also feel cared for.  They feel that they are also listened to,  as children are often interested in the stories that grandparents tell about their youth. In this way, family ties are strengthened.

But not only that,  relationships with grandchildren also provide motivation to learn new things and use new technology. This keeps them up to date with what is happening. Grandparents are a unique and valuable resource that benefits all family members… Let us appreciate them!