A grandparent's loving support is an invaluable contribution to their grandchildren's future. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 1.3 million children are entrusted to their grandparents every day and 2.4 million children live in a household headed by a grandparent. Research shows that a grandparent's influence is vitally important in shaping a grandchild's life. However, a grandparents' role in the modern family is not clearly defined, but based on the grandparent's abilities and the family's unique needs. Grandparents should discuss their role and expectations with their adult children.
To help grandparents understand and define their role, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends the following guidelines:
1. A grandparents' role is important-
Grandparents are important contributors to their family. Grandparents' active participation and consistent presence instills a sense of family and continuity. Regularly spending quality time with your grandchildren helps develop trust and understanding and the opportunity to share family beliefs and rituals. It also gives parents needed downtime.
2. Do special things with each grandchild-
Give individual attention to each grandchild. Try to spend time with each grandchild separately and do things together that make them feel special and unique. A grandparent's positive feedback helps build their grandchildren's self-esteem.
3. Remember parents are in charge-
Grandparents need to remember that their children are in charge of raising the grandkids. Respect your children's parental guidelines, rules and limits. Grandparents can be loving, tolerant, indulgent and supportive of their grandchildren while abiding parental guidelines.
4. Support your children's parental authority-
Grandparents should be supportive of their children's parenting problems but shouldn't interfere with criticism. Only offer advice when asked. Do not undermine your children's parental authority by taking your grandchildren's side in a dispute with their parents.
5. Kid-proof your home-
Keep your home safe for your grandchildren at each stage of their development, from young infant through school ages. Stay up to date with changes in child-rearing and safety practices. Maintain emergency contacts with your grandchild's doctor, hospital emergency room and poison control center.
REFERENCES:
1. A Grandparents' Guide For Family Nurturing & Safety, Federal Citizen Information Center Home Page.
2. Edmundson A. Diplomatic Guide for Grandparents. WebMD, May 15, 2006.
Posted by Elaine Gavalas on August 23, 2006 02:35 PM
