I recently visited my hometown and like it is always with homecoming, nostalgia took over. So while I enjoyed my break from urban trappings and some blissful, laidback moments amidst nature in the countryside; memories of my childhood years came rushing back, to a time when my grandparents were around. And my memories of growing up with them go far beyond the usual doting and story sessions that grandparents are renowned for. Even today, the unconditional love and support that I received during our time spent together continues to enrich my life in multiple ways.
If it’s possible for anyone to be happier than parents at time of childbirth, it’s the grandparents. Grandparenting is a source of tremendous joy for the elderly and the fulfilment they derive from spending time with their grandchild is unparalleled. This interaction doesn’t only benefit the elder generation, research shows that spending time with their grandparents also has a positive impact on the grandchild. Considering the current family norms where both parents are more likely to work, the emotional closeness to grandparents fills a void created by the absence of busy parents and provides a safe haven for the child. According to research by the University of Oxford, grandparents’ involvement in a grandchild’s life improves their overall wellbeing, both emotionally and behaviourally.
A child’s emotional intelligence includes the ability to manage their emotions better, be it anger, frustration or sadness, making them less prone to impulsive reactions. It also helps children give their feelings a name. Children who spent time with grandparents were shown to have better emotional intelligence and a sense of security and were less likely to be overwhelmed by the challenges life posed, especially older children from families where parents were either separated or divorced. The comfort of their grandparent’s company and their unwavering support helped them cope with these life changes and reduced their difficulties in adjustment. And as children matured, adult grandchildren who had fostered a strong relationship with their grandparents over their childhood, were also found to be less prone to depression.
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Grandparents have something parents rarely have – time and patience in abundance. For many children it gives them the companionship and joy they long for from spending time with close family whether it’s talking to them about their day at school and telling them mundane things about friends, watching a movie together or the much desired playmate. It’s also a safe space where children feel completely accepted and loved and can share their secrets and anxieties without the fear of being judged or misjudged. Since grandparents have lived in times that children have only read or heard about, listening to stories about their childhood, the games they played and skills they learnt fascinates them. This also opens a window into the lives of past generations giving the youth a peep and an understating of not only their own roots and family history, but also of life, lived in a different period. For grandparents, these interactions are precious moments to pass down family heirlooms, secret recipes and stories for posterity and as the younger generation learn about their heritage it’s more likely they will take pride in it. These interactions with their grandparents not only make children more adjusting to the elderly in our community, they become sensitive to the problems seniors face and can empathise with them better.
Apart from the grandparent-grandchild relationship being special, it’s also a well known fact that social engagement for senior citizens improves cognition. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to conclude that spending time with their grandchildren also adds years to their lives. Studies from the Berlin Aging Study published by Evolution and Human Behavior journal found that the positive involvement elders experience with regular childcare duties increased the caregiver’s life expectancy. Those who babysit their grandchildren have as much as 37 percent chance of a longer life compared to those who didn’t have similar duties. However researchers also caution against overwhelming the seniors with childcare that can then have an adverse effect.
Grandparenting is a source of tremendous joy for the elderly and the fulfilment they derive from spending time with their grandchild is unparalleled. This interaction doesn’t only benefit the elder generation, research shows that spending time with their grandparents also has a positive impact on the grandchild. Considering the current family norms where both parents are more likely to work, the emotional closeness to grandparents fills a void
In the days of yore when life wasn’t as hectic grandchildren either had their grandparents around 24/7 when they lived together as one large extended family, or the regular visits on weekends and vacations re-enforced the intergenerational ties. But now-a-days families have to devise ways to keep the connection alive. For many families who are living in different parts of the world it’s only virtually that they can meet. Since this generation is tech savvy they can ensure their grandparents become better versed in ways to stay involved in their lives by helping them learn to connect over the internet through technology and social media. Despite the physical distance, grandparents too can be a positive force with support and guidance in their grandchild’s life whenever they need a trustworthy friend.
Grandparents are enthused and feel a sense of worth and purpose when a grandchild seeks their guidance, beckons them to demonstrate their skills, whether it’s to teach them a new craft or a game they were proficient at. And apart from helping seniors lead an active lifestyle, with an alert and healthy mind, this sense of purpose further ensures loneliness and depression, the bane of a senior’s life, stay at bay. In current times when stress is wreaking havoc with mental health irrespective of which age group an individual belongs to – bonds like this can prove invaluable!
Images courtesy: Pixabay
Lesley D. Biswas is a freelance writer and children’s author based in Kolkata. Her interests include nature, bird photography and cricket.
One Response
Very nicely penned and straight from the heart. These are thoughts that are there with all of us but to translate them in writing is indeed a gift.