
Parenting styles have changed over the years. You’re probably raising your kids with a slightly different approach than your parents used with you. That’s to be expected as times change and modern ideas and information shape our thoughts and values. But there’s also something to be said for a few old-school methods and the importance of staying connected to traditions and heritage. Grandparents are great for introducing those things into children’s lives. Plus, let’s face it, every grandparent wants to spoil their grandkids and spend as much time with them as possible!
Grandparents serve an important role in modern parenting, helping to balance tradition and familiarity with new insights.
More from Mom.com: I Wish My Kids Were Closer to Their Grandparents
How grandparents benefit children
Your parents can teach your children more than you might ever expect in a very short amount of time. First, they provide a missing link that can help your child feel more rooted in their family tree. Most grandparents are eager to talk about their own childhood experiences and share stories about family history. Those stories can make your child realize they belong to something bigger than themselves.
A connection to heritage is huge, and it can serve as a crucial way for grandparents to bond with their grandchildren. Your parents can still teach you some things about your heritage, too, if you’re willing to pay attention. One day, you might be passing on that information to your grandkids.
Beyond that connection, grandparents provide another source of emotional and physical support for your children. They serve as non-parental adults who will love your children just as much and be there when they’re needed. Children need that kind of support and stability, and when they know they have it from multiple people, they’re more likely to develop secure, healthy attachments.
How children benefit grandparents
As a parent, there’s nothing quite like seeing your mother or father interact with your child. Even if you don’t necessarily have the same parenting styles, it’s often heartwarming to see those interactions and know your child is safe with their grandparents.
Plus, your kids aren’t the only ones who will benefit from the relationship. It’s not uncommon for older individuals to experience some mental health issues as they age – often associated with loneliness, isolation, and a lack of support. When you encourage a relationship between your child and their grandparents, you could also be helping your parents with things like:
- Physical activity
- Social interactions
- A sense of connection
- Routine
- Cognitive stimulation
Your children can provide a sense of comfort and joy to their grandparents, making the aging process easier and reducing the risk of mental wellness issues.
Do what's best for your family
Unfortunately, not everyone has an idyllic relationship with their parents. You might want your children to know their grandparents, but if you have past family trauma you’re still trying to work through, it’s important to consider healthy boundaries and how much of an influence you want your parents to have in your children’s lives. Recognize your mental health needs and pay attention to signs like feeling sad, excessive worrying, and sudden mood changes. If these things tend to occur when you’re around your parents or even thinking about them, consider whether you really want them to be a part of your family as your kids grow up.
It’s OK to have different styles and systems in place for your parenting than the ones you were raised with. Often, those things will work themselves out and you’ll be able to strike a balance between tradition and new insights. If you have a healthy relationship with your parents, do what you can to ensure they spend as much time as possible with your kids. It’s a unique bond that will benefit everyone and will make your kids proud and excited to be a part of the family.