I recently read an article describing a study conducted by BYU about the importance of grandparent involvement in the lives of children. The researchers interviewed 400 children between the ages of 10 and 14 years old. After one year they found that those who had direct involvement from grandparents were kinder to others outside of their immediate family and friends; and in some cases smarter. Is it actually possible that our children are kinder as a result of having their grandparents involved? According to this study there seems to be a strong correlation.
Looking back, this doesn’t really surprise me. My grandparents were always very involved in what we were doing. They knew about different activities that were going on at school and at church. They came to our school plays and church programs; and every Sunday evening was spent at their house with all of our cousins. My grandmother always took advantage of little teaching moments from the time we were little. She would take us on walks around the neighborhood to teach us about the different kinds of flowers and birds and trees. She taught me about the impressionists, classical musicians, and poets, just as she had done with her own children. My grandparents had a huge impact on my childhood. Now that I am older and have a child of my own I see the impact my mother is having in his life. She learned from her mother to take advantage of those teaching moments and is now doing those same things with my son that my grandmother did with me. He is so lucky to have her in his life.
If your children are unable to have their grandparents in their life for whatever reason, find someone else that can be a role model for them. Find someone who can be a positive influence in their life who can teach them from a different perspective than you can. According to the study grandparents make a difference. Nurture and encourage that relationship, you’ll be glad you did.