37: The Gift of Being a Grandparent

But exhort one another every day.

HEBREWS 3:13

THERE’S NO QUESTION THAT grandparents play a special role in the lives of their grandchildren.

What’s the healthy impact of grandparenting on grandchildren? Here are just a few needs that we can meet:

• Grandchildren need unconditional love.
• They need a mentor who can help them with perspective.
• They need to be able to process and just talk without being judged.
• Grandchildren need someone to stand with them and beside them.
• At times, they are trying to figure out who their parents are; grandparents can provide insight here.
• They need stability in a quickly changing world. Family traditions foster stability, and grandparents can be the champions for traditions.
• They need adventure. When I was growing up, my favorite book series was Enid Blyton’s Adventure Series. I dreamed of adventures, and my grandfather took me on several. Grandparents can meet needs of adventure with their grandchildren.
• They need laughter. My granddaughter said to me recently, “Papa, I love it when you laugh at yourself.” Our grandkids live in a different world than what we had. Life now is too serious. Just research the issue of rising anxiety with children and teens. Grandparents can model joy and a lighthearted approach to life where it’s okay to laugh at oneself.
• Grandchildren need the experience that comes through the school of life. I love it when my grandkids ask me what I’ve learned about an issue.
• They need kindness, humor, and great patience.
• They need to see from our example how faith in God helps us through life.

Jumpstart conversations with your grandchildren by sharing a little about your past and your dreams for today.

1. Tell them what your childhood was like.
2. Set the scene for how you and Grandma/Grandpa met.
3. Share what dreams you still have.
4. Explain what it was like to live as a teen in your day.
5. Tell your grandchildren the values you hold dear.
6. Share with them the traditions you want for your family.

Questions

1. What was your relationship with your grandparents like? You may recall both positive and negative experiences. What would you like to repeat with your grandchildren? What would you prefer to avoid?
2. What can you do to promote a deeper relationship with your grandchildren?
3. How can you ensure that you don’t compare one grandchild to another?
4. Hebrews 3:13 tells us to exhort or encourage one another. What can you do to become an encourager to each of your grandchildren?