What’s all the fuss about Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas?
Well . . . Halloween has got to be all about the little ones dressing up in the cutest scariest costumes their mommies can create (and candy!). Thanksgiving gives us time to hug and kiss and pinch the cheeks of the cutest grandchildren in God’s creation (and turkey and desserts!). Christmastime is when we shower those beautiful grandchildren with all the new toys Santa can carry in his sleigh (and candy canes!). Looks like all the fuss is centered around grandchildren!
I believe that God gave us children in order for us to have grandchildren. As the teenage years develop, the need for something cute and cuddly that we can send home becomes more appealing to parents. I have three of the best grandchildren ever born. Each one is as unique as you can imagine. Every time I see them, something new catches my eye about their quick-paced growth and exciting understanding of their surroundings. It’s such a blessing to be able to clarify some of their never-ending questions. I never realized how much my many years on earth could translate into guideposts for future generations.
The interaction between grandparents and grandchildren is not just a delightful bonding experience, but also an important factor in their emotional development and cultural education. Grandparents act as a bridge to the past. They play a key role in preserving and passing down family traditions, cultural values, and stories from the past.
Some grandparents have become snowbirds and are only around their grandchildren a few precious months of the year. Enter 21st Century technology! This has become a valuable tool for bridging this distance gap. For instance, video calls, phone calls, messaging apps, and planning visits in advance can help maintain a strong sense of connection and involvement in each other’s lives regardless of the distance that separates them.
Unless your grandchild is only interested in jumping on your bed when your back is turned, interactions between grandparents and grandchildren have been proven to have a significant impact on the mental health of both generations. Regular visits and communication can lower the risk of depression and enhance social skills and self-esteem.
Research conducted by the Economic and Social Research Council and the University of Oxford revealed that frequent contact between grandparents and their grandchildren can lower the risk of depression for both parties [*]. This study found that grandparents who saw their grandchildren weekly had lower levels of depression compared to those who did not. According to the same study, grandparents who both saw their grandchildren frequently and provided support to their adult children experienced the lowest levels of depressive symptoms.
It is interesting to note that the frequency of grandparent-grandchild interactions also significantly influences the mental well-being of the younger generation. Studies have reported that children with positive relationships with their grandparents have better self-esteem, fewer behavioral issues, and improved social skills. In addition, a study showed that strong bonds between grandparents and grandchildren are mutually beneficial, leading to increased brain health, improved physical activity, and enhanced mental and physical health for grandparents, as well as positive effects on the grandchildren. [**]
I have found that some of my smallest daily activities conjures up ideas to share with each of my grandchildren. Knowing them as only a grandparent can, I can’t wait for the next instalment of family memories!
Need some help with that? For more information, contact Youthful Aging Home Healthcare.
Lani Kelly is a research writer for Youthful Aging Home Healthcare.
[*] https://academic.oup.com/psychsocgerontology/article/59/1/S9/645399
[**] https://thedacare.org/grandparents-grandkids-can-share-beneficial-bond/
