The Importance of the Special Grandparent-Grandchild Connection

I believe very strongly that grandparents play a uniquely vital role in the lives of their grandchildren and the connection is both spiritual and physical. Proverbs 17:6 actually describes grandchildren as being the crown of the elderly.

What does it mean that grandchildren are a “crown”? A crown is worn proudly on the head as a beautiful ornamental representation of honor, wisdom, joy, respect, and hope. God gave us the ability to have children because they are extremely important His eyes: Psalm 127:3 states that “children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.” (NIV) Then, our children have their own children who become our precious grandchildren.

As we age, we learn more about wisdom, grace, patience, true love and true joy. In our older years, we are ready to pass down what we have learned to our grandchildren. Grandparents can only do so by spending time with their grandchildren. Actual interactions, whether in person or virtually, will help to build those deep, special connections. Actively search for activities to do with them and include some quiet time as well just holding them in your arms.

Remember that the relationship between grandparents and grandchildren is different than the relationship between parents and children. Grandparents must respect the requests and admonitions of their own children in raising their grandchildren, but still be there to impart wisdom and love at all stages.

To read more about Proverbs 17:6, please visit:

http://chrisbrauns.com/2013/07/proverbs-17-verse-6-the-beauty-of-grandchildren/

https://dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com/proverbs-17-6

The Importance of the Extended Family in Your Children’s Lives

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With very busy lives, parents often think about spending time with their children rather than incorporating the extended family into leisure time too.  However, extended families have tremendous impact on children’s well-being. 

In an online article for the American College of Pediatricians, the many positive benefits of the extended family on children are extolled. Here a few:

1.    Children learn life stories and lessons from older family members.

2.    Parents and children have extra support when the time comes, because the time will indeed come.

3.    Exposing children to different beliefs and ideas from others will help them expand their understanding and knowledge and not just rely on their parents.

4.    Family health history is known and shared.  

The article ends with this statement which I believe is so important:

When kids can go with members of their extended family and be loved and cherished, and then come home to more people who love them, they are more connected to the love and goodness in humanity and better able to live positive and productive lives. 

So this weekend, set out some extra chairs for members of the extended family and have them to your home for special times.  Your children will grow to love and appreciate these times.

To read the entire article, click here.

Grandparents Raising Children

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Congress passed a new law that was signed by President Trump on July 9 named The Supporting Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Act.  It is estimated that there are about 2.6 million grandchildren who are being raised by their grandparents primarily due to the high rise of substance abuse, especially opioid use, by their parents.   The law aims to assist grandparents by providing a one-stop access to resources and services.

Raising grandchildren is a second-go-round for grandparents.  It impacts them not only emotionally but also financially.   One of the main sponsors of the Act was Senator Susan Collins of Maine who said that grandparents are coming to the rescue and providing a loving environment for grandchildren who are often very traumatized.

To read more about the new law, click here.