Grandparents’ Superpower: Teaching Their Grandkids
Kids are smart, especially regarding EQ (emotional intelligence). Most are well aware, for example, that their grandparents usually put them at the top of their priority lists. Because the love of a Nana or Pop Pop is so freely given, kids typically respond to these older adults with open hearts. In many families, grandparents are on the scene from the very beginning. They lend a hand in childcare and share wisdom from how to soothe a baby to ideas about discipline.
4 Things the Older Generation Can Teach Us
In the process of loving their grandchildren, older adults make them feel unique, protected, and treasured. Grandparents provide their grandkids with love, have their best interests at heart, and can make them feel safe. The unique intergenerational bond gives grandparents an ideal role as teachers of so many things.
Here’s a list of four lessons the older generation is ideally suited to teach— without even trying.
1. Listening
Many grandparents are fortunate to have time to listen to kids, sometimes “hearing” what’s not being said. Because of all the years they’ve spent on earth, many older adults are skilled at helping a child open up if they’re having a tough time expressing themself. They also know how to ask the all-important open-ended questions that enrich and deepen conversations. For example: “Why do you think that happened?”; “What would you do in that situation?”; “What could you change in that scenario?” and “Hmmmm…I wonder why that happened....”
2. Sharing passions
As older folks know, hobbies, shared pastimes, and special interests make life fun and often more meaningful. Take games, for example. Everyone hears a lot of criticism of high-tech favorites like video games and cell phones (where games are often played), but when kids are introduced to old-fashioned, no-tech games, they often quickly come to enjoy them.
Right behind Chess and Checkers, Monopoly, Scrabble, and Clue are the top-selling board games of all time. One reason for their longevity is that they bring people together face-to-face for quality time, laughs, and lively competition.
Other favorite activities grandparents can share with the younger generation include gardening, bowling, cooking, canasta, sewing, and so much more. In these leisurely spaces and time together, fond memories are created.
3. Saving for a rainy day
Grandparents can teach their grandchildren the importance of saving up for a rainy day. By sharing their financial experiences, grandparents can help their grandchildren learn valuable money management skills, such as budgeting, saving, and making wise purchasing decisions.
4. Celebrating life’s victories
Let’s face it: life is challenging for kids—not just adults. They can be the cheerleaders their grandchildren need to feel confident and motivated. By acknowledging their successes, grandparents can instill in them a sense of self-worth and importance.
Visiting Angels East Valley
Grandparents have much to offer their grandchildren, from practical life skills to emotional support. However, as seniors age, they may require assistance with daily tasks, making it challenging to provide the care and guidance they once did.
That's where senior in-home care from Visiting Angels in Mesa, AZ, can help. Our compassionate caregivers can provide the necessary support to seniors while allowing them to remain in the comfort of their own homes. With our help, seniors can continue sharing their wisdom and experiences with their loved ones, impacting their lives. Contact us to learn more by filling out our online form, and one of our care coordinators will reach out to you.