The Role Of Grandparents in A Child's Upbringing

 Anybody who has ever questioned the importance of grandparents in the life of a child has, indeed, questioned the very institution of family. If children are fruits of the tree called ‘family’, then grandparents are its ‘roots’ acting as the anchor, holding the tree firmly in place. Grandparents are important in the development of a child and are often seen as stress busters, family watchdogs, roots, arbitrators and as links to the past. The importance of Grandparents can be best summarized in the following words:

“What children need most are the essentials that grandparents provide in abundance.  They give unconditional love, kindness, patience, humour, comfort, lessons in life.  And, most importantly, cookies”.  Rudolph Giuliani

The fact that grandparents are important and that grandparents and kids get along really well, has been felt not only in developing countries like India , where the family and community continue to be important in a man's life but also in developed countries ,including the USA where nearly 6% of children reside in homes where grandparents are the head of the household (U.S census 2001).In fact, the developed countries have gone a step further in laying down Grandparents' Rights and Grandparents' Associations.Another point to keep in mind is the role of Grandparents during times of crises like death, illness or divorce .During such mishaps, grandparents perform the duties of surrogate parents and act as a solid support system for the kid.

Grandparents aid in the child's overall healthy development. This statement can be supported by comparing and bringing out the difference between children belonging to parents living alone and children belonging to families with grandparents. Grandparents usually, have lots of time playing and reading with kids, telling them stories; such dedicated attention helps develop a child's language and social skills.

Grandparents and kids can prove to be best pals. The other day, I heard someone saying that grandparents and kids get along well because they have a common enemy! Grandparents can convince kids about things over which parents are at loggerheads. In the process of befriending, grandparents become lovable teachers of the kids. Kids often confide in their granddaas and grandmoms , the latter can then take the opportunity of teaching the  the do and donts .

So, all the young couples let your little ones share special moments with their grandparents; it is  a million dollar worth pleasure for them, while you may put your feet up and take a deep relaxing breath.