The benefits of grandparents!
Everyone who was lucky enough to grow up in a big family knows how good it feels to be surrounded by so many people that are willing to offer you their love and support. It’s a wonderful thing to be able to tap into the wisdom of those who have more life experience than you do, while also knowing that they would do anything in their power to help you when you’re in need. There are some things in life that we take for granted, but I think it’s very important that all of us realize the importance of every member of our family. For me, having my grandparents around represented a great opportunity to glance into the history of my family and their presence in my life has helped me grow up knowing I am surrounded by love.
But making me feel loved and protected wasn’t the only way my grandparents helped my family. A few years ago, my younger sister was having some trouble at school. Her grades were dropping and my parents didn’t know what to do or how to help her. They were pretty upset, but they didn’t have enough time to spend helping her, which led to frustration on both sides. Until one day, when my grandfather decided to simply sit down with her while she did her homework, so he could help her concentrate. He also had the time and patience to wait and understand what was making my sister so anxious about her homework and offered her information when she needed it.
Because of his efforts, my sister soon started doing better and better at school, getting her grades up and feeling less anxious and afraid. She also became even closer to my grandfather, seeking his company and trying to show her gratitude for his help. We both knew he was very interested in computers, but he was feeling self conscious about really using one. My sister and I began showing him different things online we thought he might like, and we also started watching a lot of things on the Internet, including educational films. The educational channels on YouTube we used were all easy to follow and soon watching them became a tradition for my grandfather and my sister, one that continued for a long time.
This experience had a major role in my sister’s life. She didn’t only bond with our grandfather, but she gained a friend and somebody who she could confide in. She learned that grandparents are these incredible human beings that are always there for you, helping you, giving you the courage you need and they never stop loving you, no matter what.
Perhaps sometimes many of us forget that grandparents may have a crucial importance in a child’s development. No matter the type of family, they can offer the best childcare there is, often helping raise their grandchildren. They are always up for babysitting and they already know what it means to bring a child into the world.
They are also fountains of knowledge, they possess a great deal of life skills, they can help teach their grandchildren about family values and why being part of said family is a thing that needs to be treasured and enjoyed. Most of the times, children growing up with grandparents present feel that they are surrounded by unconditional love, which is vital in for them to develop into functional, happy adults.
In many cases, grandparents become role models and mentors to their grandchildren. Because young minds are thirsty for information and easily influenced, there is a constant need for someone to guide them and show them how the world works. This someone also needs to be patient and steadfast. In my sister’s case, our grandfather had an incredible, positive influence, because, by being present and devoted to her, he offered her his support and his knowledge, making her feel safe and understood.
As you can see from this example, my grandfather was more than a simple presence in our lives. He became a pillar of strength and love, the person we could turn to when we felt we needed someone trustworthy that made us feel safe and comfortable. The influence he had over us, his grandchildren, was something that shaped the way we see the world, it made our lives better and our futures brighter.
