Audio By Carbonatix
The arrival of children is a momentous event for parents, but also for grandparents. As grandparents, you want to be involved in the lives of your grandchildren. You may also want to share the benefit of your parenting experience so that your children don’t make the same mistakes you did. But parents can resent grandparents intruding into their lives. You’ll need to find ways to offer help your children will truly appreciate.
Support
Sometimes the best way grandparents can help parents is to offer emotional support and reassurance that the children are developing normally and the parents are doing the right thing. Dr. T. Berry Brazelton, Clinical Professor Emeritus of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, notes that grandparents can provide a safe place for parents to vent and take out their frustrations. You’ve been there before, so your words carry some weight. Raising children overwhelms even the best parents sometimes. Watch for signs and offer a kind word whenever you can.
A break
According to the United States Census Bureau, in 2005 30 percent of children under 5 whose mothers worked outside the home were cared for regularly by grandparents. If you live close to your grandchildren, the parents may think of you as a built-in babysitter. And you may enjoy the role. But you’ll need to set some boundaries so that you don’t feel tied down or taken advantage of. At the same time, if your children are the type who never ask you to babysit for fear of imposing, and you want to help care for your grandchildren, go ahead and volunteer. If they’re still reluctant, present the babysitting as a gift to them, to allow them to have a night out to themselves.
A relationship
Grandparents offer their grandchildren the opportunity to have a different kind of relationship with an adult to whom they’re related. When children and parents clash, grandparents can relieve some of the pressure by providing a listening ear for both sides. You don’t have to take sides, but you may be able to help both your child and your grandchild see things from a different perspective.
Money
If you’re in a better financial position than your children you can help them financially, from buying a nicer stroller than they could afford to contributing to daycare costs or setting up a college fund for your grandchild. You might provide free childcare to ease the strain on the family budget. Not every grandparent is in a position to contribute money to their grown children, but many do.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
Galamsey operator sentenced for slashing student with bladeÂ
5 minutes -
Creative Canvas 2025: Black Sherif — The cultural storyteller
23 minutes -
PassionAir female pilot shares inspiring journey into aviation
56 minutes -
Only shortlisted teachers with index numbers eligible for GES promotion exams
2 hours -
Sam George warns Ghanaians against assisting illegal acquisition of citizenship
2 hours -
Three injured as firefighters rescue 26 passengers after multi-vehicle crash near Kintampo Waterfalls
2 hours -
Supercar Spectacle co-founder lauds attendance at historic event
2 hours -
COPEC calls for continued investment to ensure TOR’s sustainability
3 hours -
Tyler Perry sued by another aspiring actor alleging sexual assault and seeking $77m in damages
3 hours -
Canadian national and Ghanaian boyfriend arrested for alleged arson at Oyarifa
4 hours -
Police take over Gomoa Nyanyano after two factions clash in chieftaincy dispute
4 hours -
Alavanyo Paramount Queen backs Asantehene in opposition to inclusion of Queenmothers in Houses of Chiefs
4 hours -
OSP’s preventive actions saved Ghana millions – Sammy Darko
5 hours -
Galamsey cuts off cocoa farms in Mfantseman, farmers suffer heavy losses
6 hours -
Ghanaian delegation set for January 20, 2026 trip to Latvia in Nana Agyei case – Ablakwa
7 hours