Your relationship with your grandchildren is as important as it is with your children. To ensure you have a strong and meaningful relationship with your grandchildren, there are a few things to consider. This is especially true when they are in their teens and forming lifelong friendships and relationships.
Follow these 4 easy ways to help ensure “intergenerational solidarity” between you and your grandchildren:
Communication frequency
It makes sense that the more people you communicate with, the better your relationship will be. This is especially true if you don’t live near your grandchildren. Make sure you call at least once a week and ask what has been going on with your life. You can also go the extra mile and learn social media to stay in touch with them more often.
Physical proximity
It’s no wonder that the people you see often develop a stronger bond. Young people have the assurance that they can easily see you and run to you when they need to, which means they trust you and have someone around to trust at any time.
For some grandparents this can be a problem, especially for those who live far away or are not fit enough to travel frequently. While there is no substitute for face-to-face interaction, modern technology allows for constant communication – use Facetime, Facebook Messenger, Skype, or any video chat platform.
Early emotional ties
Children are naturally close to their parents and siblings. Aunts, uncles and grandparents usually occupy the second circle. As children grow, their circles expand and they develop vital relationships with their peers. On the other hand, the circles of the elderly are reduced.
According to experts, those who establish early emotional bonds with their grandchildren will find that the strong bond will last into adulthood.
Shared values
Children are more likely to see you as an important and enduring figure in their life when they learn lifelong lessons from you, lessons that shape who they are when they are young and those that help them develop into who they are today. Teach your grandchildren your values and beliefs, but do not impose them when they are older and develop their own set of values.
To avoid a generation gap, be open and learn to listen to younger generations.
The key is to develop a strong bond early on and do your part to maintain a healthy relationship. Follow these 4 ways to ensure a strong grandparent-grandchild relationship!