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The Influence of Grandparents on Grandchildren
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Grandpa Chuck
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Jul 27, 2001 06:21 PDT
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The Influence of Grandparents on Grandchildren
Over the past 20 years, increased attention has been given to the
importance of grandparenthood. This newfound emphasis on grandparenthood
and stepgrandparenthood is a reflection of the increased life span;
adults are living longer and four- and five-generation families are more
common. It's also a reflection of the importance of grandparents to
grandchildren.
Grandparents and stepgrandparents influence their grandchildren both
directly and indirectly. Direct influences come from face-to-face
interaction, and indirect influences are realized through a third party.
Consider the phrase, "It's important to be there for your grandchild."
Being there is a concept that can mean physically being present (direct)
or emotionally being present (indirect).
When you make a phone call, attend concerts together or take them
places, you are directly influencing your grandchildren. When your
grandchildren have been confronted with a situation and think about you,
knowing you will be available to support them and that you are on their
site, you are indirectly influencing them by emotionally being there.
You are a role model to your grandchildren.
It's interesting to note the variety of terms used to refer to the many
roles grandparents or stepgrandparents play. For example:
Stress buffer
Watchdog
Arbitrator
Roots/family historian
Supporter
One national survey of grandparents reported that a variety of
activities were engaged in with grandchildren such as:
Joking and kidding
Giving money
Talking about growing up
Giving advice
Discussing problems
Going to church/synagogue
Providing discipline
Taking a day trip
Teaching a skill or game
Watching TV together
Talking about parent/child disagreements
Several writers have emphasized that grandparents are very important to
grandchildren. They are described as "significant others who have a
great deal to do with one's view of life." The intergenerational contact
reflects a high value for family connection. Grandchildren exposed to
such contact are less fearful of old age and the elderly. They feel more
connected to their families.
Source: North Dakota State University Study
http://www.ext.nodak.edu/extpubs/yf/famsci/fs548w.htm
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