Bonding with grandchildren is important for both grandkids and grandparents. It makes for a nice atmosphere as far as the entire family goes, truth be told. Everyone feels happier, more loving, relaxed, and safer when grandchildren and grandparents form a tight bond.
A solid relationship doesn’t create itself, however, and it doesn’t happen overnight. The way to win a race such as this is simply slow and steady as you go.
We talked to some grandparents and here’s what they had to say about the best ways to go about creating the closest possible relationship with a grandchild or grandchildren.
Enjoy As Much One-On-One Time As You Can
One-on-one time is getting a little bit easier to share now with vaccines offering some peace of mind and everyone being more aware of precautions that need to be taken so as to not contract COVID-19. Grab the opportunity while it’s available! Anytime you can spend one-on-one with your grandchild, relish it for all it’s worth.
Live in Their World
If you can, attend your grandchild’s concerts, sporting events, dance recitals, etc. Help them with their homework if you’re able. Ask them about their day, their friends, and more. Don’t pry! But always show an interest in the world in which they exist. You may not understand it. You may not be particularly fond of it. But it’s their world and any time you can appear interested in it, that’s a good thing.
Staying Connected on Purpose
Sometimes it’s not easy to stay connected. As an example, the coronavirus made it hard to visit in person. But, through Zoom, FaceTime, and other computer face-to-face meetings, grandchildren, children, and parents/grandparents were once again able to connect. Find a way.
Always Use Love Rather Than Judgment
You may not agree with everything your grandchild does. Tattoos? Let it go. Orange hair? Let it go. Look at the big picture. You’ve been blessed with this beautiful grandchild. Don’t poison the relationship by judging them.
Rather Than Being Controlling, Be Influential
Granted, grandparents have lots of experience they like to share with grandchildren and their kids. But relationships can be alienated if the desire to influence becomes a desire to control. You can tell someone all day long not to do something because it won’t end well. But until they learn it for themselves – sadly, from experience, most often – it won’t make a dent. Some things simply have to be learned by doing.
Grandparenting Doesn’t Mean “Spoiling”
It’s frequently said that a grandparents’ prerogative is to spoil their grandkids. While that may be true to a point, it can breed negativity. In fact, in some cases, grandchildren no longer enjoy overnight visits with grandparents who insisted on spoiling them with foods that aren’t in their diet, late bedtimes, exorbitant amounts of television watching, etc.
Control Your Expectations
Unmet expectations simply fuel disappointment. Where your relationship with your grandchild is concerned, statements with “should” and “ought” can be extremely dangerous. Discouragement and disappointment are practically guaranteed if those words come up in your conversation when speaking with your children or grandchildren. Wherever your relationship is right now, try to be more content with it.
Have Your Grandkids Visit You At Discovery Village At Southlake
Check out Discovery Village At Southlake. We feature attractive outdoor common areas, charming indoor areas, and cozy, quaint apartment homes. Here, higher standards for retirement living are created with professional, attentive care and multiple amenities.
To live the happiest lifestyle possible, everything you need is located right here. All this and value, as well! Arrange for a tour with us to see in person all we have to offer.
