Being a grandparent has many different roles and it is important that we choose the best role for our grandchild. It can be as active or as passive a role as we choose but we have to make sure that our grandchild sees us as an important part of their life and that we provide guidance when they need it. It is also important that we love our grandchild as much as we love our own children. As we love our own children, it will be easier for us to love our grandchild as well.
Love your grandchild as you would your own child. Show them the love and support that you have extended to your own children and grandchild. Make it known to your grandchild that you are willing to do what is necessary for their growth. This is an important aspect of becoming a grandparent because your grandchild needs you to stay on their side so that they can develop healthy behaviors and a strong sense of self.
Establish open communication with your grandparent. You can talk to your grandparent about your concerns about your child and make it known to him or her that you expect your child to grow up in a loving and positive environment. If the grandparent does not express his or her concern to you, then it is likely that your child will not feel heard and that can create problems in the grandparent-child relationship. Be sure to listen carefully to your grandchild because he or she has probably grown up too. Grandparents need to let their grandchildren know that their parents love them and will always be there for them.
Do not abandon your grandchild when they are not feeling well. A grandparent must give his or her child a sense that he or she is loved. It’s easy to let yourself feel useless when you are older but it is essential to have some feelings for your family even when you are no longer physically there. It’s OK to say that you don’t feel well but if you simply walk away from your grandchild when he or she starts to get really upset, then this is not a good situation to be in. Try to visit your grandchild as much as possible during his or her sad time.
Establish boundaries between the parent and the grandchild. One issue that many families face when a grandparent becomes involved with a child is the issue of where the grandchild can go when she gets home from school. Many times, a grandparent will ask their child where they can go. It’s important to establish a set of rules where the grandchild is concerned because children can become very rebellious when parents interfere in their lives.
Make sure your grandchild knows how important he or she is to you. The best way to do this is to show your grandchild all the special things you value in your life. Make sure your grandchild knows how much you love him or her and that he or she is welcome at all times, including when you are not able to be with them.
Be an example to your grandchild. Be sure to do as you say you will and do not hesitate to talk to your child about anything that might be bothering you or your grandchild. Grandparents often have a better perspective on things than parents do, which can make them a better source of information for their grandchildren. Also, always make sure your grandchild knows your full name, so he or she can use it when talking to you should the need arise.
A grandparent-grandchild relationship can provide a wealth of experiences and lessons for your children. They can learn about helping others and taking care of the needs of others, for example. They can also learn about maintaining trust between a grandparent and their grandchild, and they can learn how to be the kind of parent you want to be. In fact, a grandparent-grandchild relationship can be an ideal situation for foster parents as well.
