Ethics & Religion
Column #2,040
Sept. 17, 2020
The Importance of Grandparents
By Mike McManus
Last Sunday was Grandparent's Day.
In 1973 a West Virginia mom, Marian McQuade, persuaded her state to set
aside a day to honor grandparents. Jimmy Carter signed a proclamation in
1976 that the Sunday after Labor Day should be known as Grandparents
Day.
As the grandparent of nine children, I had not heard of Grandparents Day
until I saw stories this week in the press.
Did you know that three-quarters of grandparents take care of their
grandchildren on a regular basis? And a surprising 72% of grandparents
think that being a grandparent is the most important thing in their
life! Fully 70% see their grandchildren at least once a week.
The positive influence grandparents have on their grandchildren's
development is profound. They offer love and guidance, wisdom and
knowledge. They pass on traditions and family stories, leaving behind a
legacy to cherish.
What's new is the 44% increase of grandchildren who are living with
their grandparents. By 1997, nearly 4 million children, or 5.4% of all
children, lived in a household headed by a grandparent. In about
one-third of these homes neither biological parent is present. The
number of these "skipped generation" families is growing at a rapid
pace.
In 2011 the U.S. Census estimated that 24% of children under the age of
5 were routinely cared for by a grandparent. When MetLife asked
grandparents in 2012 why they were providing care, they replies "because
I enjoy doing it." Unlike the first time around (when they were raising
their own children), they are more confident and relaxed around kids,
which makes them excellent playing buddies and role models.
"Playing buddies?" Yes! Often when we hear the word "grandparent," we
think of an elderly person. However, MetLife reports that the average
age of grandparents is between 46-64 years old!
More than one in ten grandparents have cared for a grandchild for at
least six months, while most of whom have been engaged for a far longer
time. A disproportionate number of grandparents are caring for children
of single women, African Americans and low income people.
Here are five reasons grandparents are so important:
- Grandparents impact their grandchildren's lives. Nine out of 10 adult
grandchildren feel their grandparents influenced their beliefs and
values. Grandparents are some of the best partners when it comes to
using creativity and imagination to discover the wonders of life.
Through regular contact, a sense of emotional intimacy and unwavering
support, children can experience what a true positive relationship
should look like.
- Grandparents can greatly reduce household stress. A 2014 study of Boston
College found that "an emotionally close relationship between a
grandparent and a grandchild is associated with fewer symptoms of
depression for both generations." For kids, having grandparents around
means having the perfect companions to play with and have fun. In turn,
most grandparents truly love their role. According to the American
Grandparents Association, 72% of grandparents think that being a
grandparent is the single most important and satisfying thing in their
life.
- Grandparents have a great deal of experience. They are a valuable
resource because they have so many stories and experience from their own
lives to share. Oftentimes, children will listen to their grandparents
when they are not listening to their own parents or other adults.
Grandparents also offer a link to a child's cultural history and family
heritage. Children understand more of who they are, and where they come
from, through their connection with their grandparents.
- Grandparents provide a sense of security. Especially during tough times,
having an extra layer of support can make a big difference in a child's
life. Studies have shown that a close grandparent-grandchild
relationship during the teenage years are associated with less
behavioral and emotional problems and fewer social difficulties with
peers. Grandparents offer an extra ear when kids need someone to talk to
because sometimes children find it easier to open up and share their
difficulties and problems with their grandparents.
- Grandparents offer an affordable childcare option. With both parents in
many families working outside of the home, it is often the grandparents
who play a vital role in raising today's youth. According to the 2010
Census, 2.7 million grandparents provide for the basic needs of a
grandchild, while even more take care of their grandchildren on a
regular basis.
Grandparents are really important!
_________________________
Copyright (c) 2020 Michael J. McManus, President of Marriage Savers and
a syndicated columnist. To read past columns, go to
www.ethicsandreligion.com. Hit
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