Lessons from Grandchildren Are Priceless
Grandchildren and their grandparents are often—especially when kids are young—natural magnets for each other. It’s the ultimate win-win relationship since grandparents are mainly free of the work and daily commitment required of parents. Instead, older adults simply want to connect as much as they possibly can with the children of their children.
Grandparents can teach the younger generation a lot, from the value of saving to making and keeping friends. But there’s a great deal, in turn, that young children pass on to their grandparents, older relatives, and other family friends of a certain age.
Young Ones Specialize In Play, Innocence & Snuggling
1. One of the many beauties of a young child is their imagination.
They’re not locked into defining or doing things a certain way. Unlike adults, they don’t get stuck on whether something is “realistic” or “the best” way to accomplish a task. Many—but certainly not all—try new things with abandon. Better yet, they don’t obsess about the outcome; they just move on to something else.
2. They love simple pleasures.
In their innocence, little ones don’t care much about what things cost or whether something is “special” by someone else’s standard. If a kid likes trains, he’s happy to sit there in a stroller for an hour or two—just waiting for the next whistle to blow.
3. Young kids create for the sheer joy of it.
(Tip: When a child shows you their artwork, it’s best not to say, “That’s great,” but rather, “Tell me about your painting.”)
4. Affection is powerful.
The warmth and comfort derived from hugs with grandparents are truly special. Embracing someone creates a sense of safety and support and triggers the release of oxytocin, a feel-good neurotransmitter. This shared experience fosters feelings of love, connection, and bonding between both individuals. However, it's crucial to respect a child's preferences; if they choose not to engage in hugs, snuggles, or kisses, their boundaries should always be honored. Affection should never be forced.
Older Ones Share Info About Trends, Tech, And More
Of course, interactions change a good deal as grandkids get older. According to verywellfamily.com, “Generally, at around age 10 into their teen years, some kids start drifting away from their grandparents.”
But luckily, grandparents are wise, and they’ve got a few tricks up their sleeves. They’ve experienced so many kinds of people and situations that they can figure out—in many but certainly not all cases—how to engage a tween or teen: ask for their help. Seek their expertise and advice.
For example: Inquire about using emojis or a smartphone, watching TV on demand, or learning social media. Maturing kids have ideas about many things—like how to care for Earth or plan a great party. Kids may also be thrilled to tell grandparents about the latest YouTuber.
Visiting Angels of Morgantown, West Virginia
At Visiting Angels of Morgantown, West Virginia, we have one mission: to put seniors first, prioritizing the safety, security, and personal well-being of each and every client in our care. We would welcome an opportunity to tell you about our wide variety of services. A great way to begin is with a no-charge, in-home visit with one of our staff. You can reach us online by filling out our contact form, after which someone from our team will contact you. We’re also happy to talk by phone at 888-777-5810.