Families First by Maryanne Law

Question: 

Please remind grandfathers, and great-grandfathers, how important they are in the lives of their grandchildren.

 

Answer: 

Gladly! Grandparenting is an opportunity to be wise, to be nurturing, to teach and to be taught. The smallest pieces of wisdom can have a big impact on youngsters if they hear it from a grandparent.

Most grandfathers have had interesting experiences in the work world. Many of their job experiences, from their first jobs in life to their careers, are active, visible and easy for grandchildren to relate to — fireman, policeman, construction worker, plumber, electrician. I had grandfathers who built club houses for wealthy hunters, ran printing presses and rode the cabooses on the railroad. My own father was a preacher, but he was also a semi-professional wrestler and a sheep herder. No matter what the job, there are stories to tell that entertain and educate at the same time.

If you have served in the armed forces, you are a living history lesson. Get out the map; share the pictures, the medals, the old letters or uniforms with your grandchildren. You may never have a more receptive audience.

Building on common interests is another way to deepen your relationship with your grandchildren. Sports interest both grandsons and granddaughters. Tell them about your favorite sports and learn about theirs. Go to their games and competitions and cheer them on. Take them to the sporting events you enjoy. You may wind up a soccer fan or the best dance line judge in the bleachers. They may turn out to love golf. What better fishing partner than a grandchild? Hobbies or collections can also strengthen relationships. Love of cars, baseball cards or trains can provide grandfathers and grandchildren with a special bond. Perhaps you are a musician. Share your enthusiasm.  You may end up playing duets or attending concerts together. Perhaps you are a community volunteer. Take your grandchild along to help, and instill the vision. Grandchildren provide a wonderful connection to the future. As one grandfather put it, “No one can possibly be as entertaining and fascinating as your grandchildren. I’m amazed at how much mine make me smile.”

If you would like to talk with a parenting specialist about the challenges in raising children, call the toll-free Parent WarmLine at 1-888-584-2204. For free emergency child care, call the Crisis Nursery at 1-877-434-9599. Check out www.familiesandcommunities.org.

 

Maryanne Law is the executive director of the Parenting Resource Center in Austin.