The Incredible Role Of Grandparents In The Family

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This article is a guest post from Jen of Insider Mama. Read more about Jen at the end of the post.

Do you know someone with gray hair, lots of life stories, and maybe a bit of a knack for spoiling you? Yup, you guessed it – we’re talking about the incredible role of grandparents in the family!

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Grandparents: Who Are They, Really?

Grandparents are your parents’ parents. That means they’ve been around for a while and have seen a lot of cool stuff.

Think about it: when they were kids, there were no smartphones, and dinosaurs were… okay, maybe not dinosaurs, but things were different.

Why Are Grandparents So Special?

• Storytellers: Grandparents have a suitcase full of stories from their past. Sometimes it feels like they’re wizards sharing tales of magical lands or wild adventures. “When I was your age, we walked ten miles to school!” That’s a classic.

• Life Teachers: Ever wanted to learn how to bake a pie, knit a scarf, or fix a bike? Many grandparents have these nifty skills up their sleeves.

• Fans in the Stands: They cheer the loudest at your games, performances, or any time you’re shining bright. They’re your personal fan club.

• Spoilers (not the movie kind): Grandparents have a habit of sneaking you that extra cookie or letting you stay up past bedtime. But shhh, let’s keep that our little secret!

Pitfalls in the Grandparent-Parent-Kid Triangle

Now, having grandparents around is pretty awesome, but sometimes, it can be a bit like adding too much sugar to your lemonade – super sweet, but maybe a bit much.

• The “back in my day” effect: Sometimes, grandparents can be a bit stuck in their ways, “back in my day, we didn’t have all these video games!”. Well, that’s true, but they also didn’t have the internet or GPS. Everyone gets lost sometimes, right?

• Over-spoiling: Remember that extra cookie or late bedtime? It’s fun once in a while, but if it happens too often, it might upset the parent team. It’s a bit like eating ice cream for dinner every night. Sounds fun, but maybe not the best idea.

• Parent and grandparent showdown: There are times when parents and grandparents might not see eye-to-eye. Maybe they have different rules or ideas about what’s best for you. It’s like when two chefs argue over the best way to make spaghetti. Either way, you still get pasta, right?

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The Gold in Grandparenting: Positives of Having Them Around

Even if there’s a bit of rain sometimes, there’s always a rainbow when it comes to grandparents. Here’s the gold at the end of that rainbow:

• Love overflow: Grandparents have a big heart, and they shower you with love. It’s like getting an extra scoop of your favorite ice cream – just because!

• Wisdom wells: They’ve seen a lot, learned a lot, and have lots of advice. And even if they talk about the “good old days” a lot, there’s usually a nugget of wisdom in there. It’s like finding a prize in a cereal box.

• Backup support: Need a babysitter? Someone to talk to? Or just want to escape chores at home for a bit? Grandparents to the rescue! They’re like superheroes without the capes.

• Link to the past: They connect you to history. Through their stories and memories, you can learn about your family tree, traditions, and more. It’s a bit like being a detective, but instead of solving mysteries, you’re discovering your family’s past.

• Stress busters: Research says hanging out with grandparents is good for your health. Their hugs, stories, and even their silly jokes can make you feel better. And guess what? Spending time with you is good for them too. It’s a win-win!

Ideas on how to make memories between children and their grandparents

There is so much fun to be had with grandma and grandpa! The role of grandparents is special and memories can be made for all…

Here’s a list of 30 delightful ways grandparents who live nearby can be involved in their grandchildren’s lives:

1. Regular Playdates: Set up a day every week when the grandkids come over to play and bond.

2. Storytime: Share stories from “back in the day” or read books together.

3. Cooking Together: Teach grandkids family recipes or bake cookies together.

4. Gardening: Plant flowers, vegetables, or even a tree that you can watch grow over time.

5. Arts & Crafts: Start a project, maybe something that celebrates family heritage or just for fun.

Parents – make a cute keepsake footprint craft art for grandma with younger children & babies!

6. Attend School Events: Be there for school plays, sports games, or parent-teacher conferences if needed.

7. Neighborhood Walks: Take a stroll and talk about the changes in the neighborhood over the years.

8. Library Visits: Encourage reading by visiting the local library together.

9. Movie Nights: Watch old classics or the latest kids’ favorite at home.

10. Teach Skills: Share skills like knitting, woodworking, or any craft the grandparents are good at.

11. Fishing Trips: Spend a morning at a local fishing spot.

12. Visit Museums: Explore local history or art together.

13. Attend Workshops: Participate in community workshops that cater to both young and old.

14. Park Outings: Spend a sunny day playing and picnicking at the park.

15. Backyard Camping: Set up a tent in the backyard and tell ghost stories.

16. Music Sessions: Play instruments, sing old songs, or just dance!

17. DIY Projects: Build or fix something together.

18. Board Game Nights: Bring out those classic board games.

19. Shopping: Whether it’s for groceries or a birthday gift, make it a fun outing.

20. Homework Help: Grandparents can be great tutors.

21. Visit Farmer’s Markets: Pick fresh produce and make a meal together.

22. Attend Religious Services: If the family is religious, attending services together can be special.

23. Plan Family Dinners: Host a monthly family dinner.

24. Teach History: Create a family tree or dig out old family photos.

25. Stargazing: Lay out on the lawn and look at the stars, sharing stories and dreams.

26. Wildlife Watching: Feed birds or visit local nature spots to observe animals.

27. Start a Book Club: Read the same book and discuss it.

28. Local Shows: Attend community theater or local concerts.

29. Sports: Play catch, tennis, or any sport both enjoy.

30. Memory Making: Start a scrapbooking project to capture all these memories.

When grandparents are involved in their grandchildren’s lives, it creates lasting memories, strengthens bonds, and passes down valuable life lessons. These activities ensure that the relationship is nurtured and celebrated.

Distance can be challenging, but there are many creative ways for grandparents to stay involved and maintain a close bond with their grandchildren, even from afar. 

Don’t let long distances diminish the role of grandparents in your children’s lives.

Image by Drazen Zigic on Freepik

Here’s a list of 30 ideas for long-distance grandparents:

1. Virtual Storytime: Read a bedtime story over a video call.

2. Snail Mail: Send postcards, letters, or little surprises through the mail.

3. Virtual Playdates: Set up a weekly video chat to catch up and play games.

4. Online Games: Play online multiplayer games or apps that both can enjoy.

5. Watch Together: Use services that allow you to watch movies or shows in sync.

6. Remote Cooking: Choose a recipe and cook or bake “together” over video chat.

7. Digital Scrapbooking: Create and share digital scrapbook pages of recent events.

8. Send Audio Clips: Record stories or messages that grandkids can listen to anytime.

9. Book Club: Both read the same book and discuss it over the phone or video.

10. Homework Help: Offer to help over a call or through screen-sharing.

11. Virtual Tours: Explore online museums or landmarks together.

12. Music Sharing: Share favorite songs, or have a remote karaoke session.

13. Plan Visits: Even if they’re infrequent, having scheduled visits can give everyone something to look forward to.

14. Remote Gardening: Plant the same type of flower or vegetable and compare growth over time.

15. Photo Updates: Send daily or weekly photos to each other.

16. Send Care Packages: Put together themed boxes for holidays or just because.

17. Travel Logs: Share experiences and pictures when visiting new places.

18. Teach a Skill: Use video calls to teach a craft, an instrument, or a new hobby.

19. Calendar Countdown: Send a calendar marking the days until the next visit.

20. Collaborative Crafts: Start a craft project and mail it back and forth to add on to it.

21. Surprise Deliveries: Order a surprise pizza delivery or a special treat for your grandchild.

22. Join Their Online World: If they’re into a particular online community or game, try joining it.

23. Digital Drawing: Draw or paint together using online platforms or apps.

24. Shared Journal: Start a journal, write a few entries, mail it, and have it sent back with their entries.

25. Language Learning: Choose a new language and learn together using apps or online courses.

26. Customized Playlists: Create and share music playlists on streaming services.

27. Online Shopping: Shop for a special gift together in real-time via a video call.

28. Learn Their Interests: Ask about their current interests and find online resources to explore those topics together.

29. Remote Stargazing: Choose a night to look at the stars, then share what you see and feel.

30. Send “Open When” Letters: Mail letters meant for specific occasions or feelings (e.g., “Open when you’re sad”).

While nothing can replace in-person hugs and laughter, these activities can help bridge the distance and keep the connection strong.

In today’s digital age, there are more opportunities than ever for grandparents to be a consistent and loving presence in their grandchildren’s lives, no matter how many miles apart they may be.

Gift grandpa a handprint craft art keepsake print (perfect for parents to do with smaller children & babies)

Final thoughts on the amazing role of grandparents…

Grandparents are a mix of magic and reality. They bring joy, wisdom, and sometimes, a touch of mischief into our lives. The role of grandparents in the family can’t be underestimated.

Yes, there might be a few hiccups when parents and grandparents mix, but with understanding and communication, they usually figure things out. After all, everyone wants what’s best for you.

So, the next time you’re with your grandparents, give them a big hug and thank them for the sprinkles of joy they add to your life.

And maybe, just maybe, ask for another story from “back in the day.” Because who knows? One day, you’ll be the one sharing wild tales of the days when people used to “text” and “take selfies.” Crazy, right?

This guest post on the role of grandparents in the family was written by certified life coach Jen Ambrose. As a mother of five children, Jen has plenty of experience when it comes to parenting and family dynamics. You can read much more from Jen on parenting, lifestyle and other topics on her website, Insider Mama. You can also follow her on Instagram for more!

A big thank you to Jen for this fantastic post on the special role of grandparents! Many of the these fun ideas can be enjoyed by different ages.

If you’re looking for activities to do with smaller children and toddlers, be sure to check out ideas for homemade Mother’s Day gifts and thoughtful DIY gifts for Father’s Day, as well as easy outdoor activities for toddlers.

How do you see the role of grandparents in your family? Sadly we don’t all have parents/grandparents for our children, if that’s you, is there anyone else that plays a special role in their lives, or what has helped you bridge that gap?

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