Raising kids is hard. But raising grandkids can be even harder. Especially when the landscape they’re growing up in seems to change every day. IPads, computer games and social media have changed the way children interact and sometimes it can seem like you are getting left way behind, and are losing your ability to connect with your granchildren along the way. Grandparents can play many important roles in children's lives. They can be loving companions, caregivers, mentors, historians and sources of various other forms of support. In some cases, they also can become surrogate parents. Changing circumstances, such as parental separation or residential relocation can lead to an overwhelming sense of disconnection with your grandchildren so it’s important to bridge the gap and learn how to keep with the grandkids.
- Teach them a new skill
Your grandchildren would love to find out what you know. Your skills in cooking, gardening, building, sewing or letter writing are valuable. And to your grandchildren, they could be skills they may not otherwise be exposed to.
- If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em
Technology is not going away. According to the national mental health initiative for primary school age children, KidsMatter, forty-five per cent of eight to eleven year olds use social networking sites. Among those most popular are YouTube, Moshi Monsters, Club Penguin and Facebook. You may not initially understand what’s going on, but your children will love teaching you. Connecting with them via social media means you can stay in touch and strengthen your relationship even if you live far away.
- Stay in good health
Age is a wonderful thing as it gives us wisdom, experience and the confidence to be ourselves. But it can sometimes be cruel because just as your mind starts to understand, your body starts to fail. It’s important you stay strong and healthy to keep up with your grandkids. Strength training, eating well and ensuring your body is fit will ensure you will have the year-round energy needed to keep pushing that swing at the park or stay awake during those long long computer games!
- Get to know your grandchildren
Time, experience and your environment can change who you are and how you act. In the case of children, they are dealing with hormones and the confusion of growing up. The most important thing you can do is to get to know your grandchildren. Use opportunities that you get alone with them to ask them about their desires, their fears and their plans for the future. This will give you the insight you need to stay connected and ensure your relationship with your grandchildren is the best it can be.
