Top 5 Reasons being a Grandparent is Cool
If you are older and you know it, raise your hand!
If you didn't raise your hand, I would share that once you get the "grandparent" moniker, you will be relegated to the "old" category. Yes, I know that it may be far from the truth, but as they say, perception is reality. A check of Merriam-Webster Dictionary tells us that "The definition of old is advanced in age or having been around for a while.”
There are other ways of saying old, some demonstrating gentle respect like elderly, mature, older, or even senior. Still, others may not say it to your face but could also use the words older than dirt, ancient, grizzled, or even senile.
However, what isn't always thought about that comes with age is the positive impact that a close relationship between a grandparent and grandchild can have on the happiness and well-being of the entire family. As we journey proudly into this new realm, some valid and exciting reasons being a grandparent is cool, and here is why:
#1 – Your kids can use you as a babysitter
Polite society would call that an affordable childcare option. While both parents in many families work outside of the home, the grandparents often play a vital role in raising the younger generation. According to the 2019 Census, roughly 2.7 million grandparents provide for the basic needs of a grandchild, while even more take care of their grandchildren regularly. If they are willing and able, having a grandparent with a flexible schedule act as an occasional babysitter gives many parents a great sense of comfort, knowing that they are leaving their children in capable and caring hands. Wear this hat proud!
#2 – You can influence their lives
There are many studies out there telling us about grandparents' role in the lives of their grandkids. The most recent one I read was that 9 out of 10 adult grandchildren felt that their grandparents influenced their beliefs and values. I know that mine did!
That feeling of emotional intimacy, unwavering support, and never-ending stories helped me formulate a positive and interactive relationship. As a child, Grandma, grandpa, and even older family members gave me a perspective of how I was more than a moment in time, and there were essential connections to the past. Even the legacy I was destined to carry forward, all woven together with teaching moments that demonstrated a healthy and normal relationship. We do genuinely impact our grandchildren's lives.
The power of age
#3 – You know stuff!
Don't underestimate yourself!
You are a valuable resource because you have a lifetime of stories, experiences, and perspectives that you gathered from your own life and the lives of people that came before you. You may intimately have interacted with your grandparents and relatives, but they are only "great-grandma or grandpa's" names on a family tree from the next generation's perspective. We have the tremendous responsibility to share the depth of the past and take them from only a name to a family legacy with tales that our grandkids can carry beyond our years. That link to our grandkid's cultural heritage and family history is priceless. Children understand more of who they are and where they come from through their connection with us. Wear that experience proud!
#4- Security Blanket
Grandbabies will eventually turn into grand teenagers! Especially valuable during the challenging teenage years, having an extra layer of support can make a huge difference in this child's life. Again, numerous studies show that solid grandparent to grandchild relationships show there are less emotional and, yes, even behavioral issues if the grandchild has a safe sounding board to open up and share the problems they are facing. The grandchild may think these problems are overwhelming, but with your experience and listening skills, you might just become their go-to person to talk to.
I remember firsthand that there were times that my mom or dad "just didn't understand me" or would tell me something that I didn't want to hear, and I would run to grandma to get her viewpoint.
Thinking that she would side with me, I looked back and realized that I received the same response my parents gave, but I somehow "heard" and understood the reasons from a different lens. Grandparents provide a sense of security.
The Small Stuff
#5 – Grandparents don't sweat the small stuff
As a parent, sometimes we unintentionally became "helicopter moms or dads." As that "old" person in the room, we, on the other hand, have seen much, experienced more, and survived to talk about it.
We can reduce household stress if we have an emotionally close relationship with our grandkids. Teaching our grandchild to brush off the little things that might occur sets them up to deal with the tough stuff as they grow up. Knowing they have another sounding board to deal with life's issues and a trusted companion and help them see the wonders of life is my single most joy of being a grandparent.
So, in closing, I encourage you to "be cool" and enjoy your role as a grandparent. It's one of the best jobs in the world.
