Simply Grand

The Importance of Grandparents

By Dawn Marie Barhyte

Regardless of age, children thrive in environments where they are nurtured and loved. They learn about the world around them when those closest to them join in their play, interests and exploration.

Grandparents often have the opportunity to spend more relaxed time with children. And they can enjoy children for who they are at the moment.

According to Dr. Arthur Kornhaber, president of the Foundation for Grandparenting and author of several books on the subject including The Grandparent Guide (McGraw-Hill/Contemporary Books, 2002), this unconditional love is second only in emotional power to the parent/child bond. It is the glue between grandparents and grandchildren. He adds that this "vital connection" between you and your grandchild blossoms fully when the child has your undivided attention in an unhurried atmosphere.

In fact, he remarks that the grandparent/grandchild relationship is an "illuminating" relationship comprised of the purest forms of human love: unconditional, nonjudgmental and freely given simply because a person exists.

"There is always some conditional element to a parent's love," says Peggy Dolan, a grandmother of seven. "Grandparents are just glad to have you near." Dolan's favorite part of grandparenting is being with them, watching them grow and growing with them. She tries to take part in their activities often and champions their accomplishments.

Dr. Kornhaber cautions that parents are the linchpin of the relationship between you and your grandchild so take care to nurture that relationship as well.

Want to see more?

• Homemade Fun: Games to Make – Then Play – With Your Grandchild
• From Grandma With Love: A Legacy of Values
• Model Behavior: Today's Teens and the Role Models They Choose
• Talk about it!