Building a Strong Bond with Grandchildren Beneficial for Everyone
Grandparents play an essential role in the lives of their grandchildren. When you talk to grandparents, they tend to light up when talking about their grandchildren. Take advantage of the time when you become grandma or grandpa.
If you have grandchildren, you probably remember the birth of your first grandchild. You immediately went from being a parent to a grandparent. Your role as a parent doesn't disappear, but now you are known as grandma or grandpa.
Many people become just as excited and proud of your grandson or granddaughter as your own children. Building a solid relationship with your grandchildren will be your primary goal.
You might think that building a strong bond with your grandchildren can feel challenging with generational differences, but it's not so hard. Think about it, you get all the fun of being a parent, yet you get to walk away for the harder stuff. You get all the joy with less responsibility.
Your job as a grandparent is less about providing discipline and rules and regulations; it is more about sharing time and sharing love.
It can be intimidating trying to relate to your grandchildren. It is easier when they are very young, but as your grandchildren get older, the large age gap can make it harder to relate. Don't forget this universal truth, there is a unique and powerful connection between grandparents and grandchildren not seen in any other relationship.
Be Present in Their Life
That facetime with your grandchild is vital. Some grandparents may have been lucky to be there when their grandchildren were born. Staying in their lives regularly will build that relationship. Hopefully, you have maintained a strong relationship with your adult children and their spouse to build upon the ties with your grandchildren.
You should see your grandchildren often without interfering with your children's lives if you live close by. There are benefits for the grandkids to have their grandparents involved early in their lives. Research has shown that infants are capable of forming multiple attachments, and it benefits their development.
Activities
Engaging in creative or exciting activities is an effortless way to be in your grandchildren's lives and strengthen the bond between grandparents and grandchild.
First, grandchildren usually enjoy seeing their grandparents. Your mere presence in their lives is a positive. Depending on the ages of the grandkids and the overall health and mobility of the grandparent, there are numerous activities you can enjoy.
Younger grandparents can take their grandkids to lunch, the park, the movie theater, and so much more. Spending quality time with your grandchildren is rewarding for everyone.
For older grandparents or those with mobility or health problems, you can do many fun at-home activities with your grandchildren, like puzzles.
As your grandchildren get older, you can share with them your hobbies. Things like cooking, fishing, watching or playing sports, hiking, and arts and crafts can be taught and shared with your grandchildren.
Technology
As you likely know, technology is one of the main ways younger people connect and communicate with others. Even at young ages, kids today are glued to technology and communicate through technology.
If you're still struggling with mastering your phone, now is your time to learn. Moreover, you should consider downloading some social media apps so you can communicate with them through avenues other than calling and texting. Doing this will open up a world of possibilities for staying connected with your grandchildren.
If you live apart, video chats, for example, are ways you can share time and catch up.
Just Be There
We constantly underestimate the strength of presence. One of the best ways to build a strong bond with your grandchildren is by just being there. Make an effort to attend as many sports, recitals, graduations, and get-togethers as possible.
Kids grow up fast; before you know it, they're adults. If you aren't already, get involved in their lives. Don't forget, grandparents get older too. Today grandparents can be in their 50s and older. But as your grandchildren get older, so do you. You want to take advantage of your good health and mobility for as long as possible and enjoy your time with your grandchildren. Don't put off till tomorrow what you can do today.
Plus, when you are with your grandchildren, it does give the parents a break. You probably remember how little time you had for yourself when you were a young parent.
Benefits of Being an Active Grandparent
If you are an active grandparent, there are many benefits for you. Not that it is all about you - but active grandparents have less depression and anxiety, increased mental alertness, and brain function.
Everyone benefits from active grandparents. According to Cleveland Clinic family medicine physician Neha Vyas, M.D., chasing after little ones can be beneficial.
We have noticed that grandparents who are involved in grandchildren, or surrogate grandchildren's lives, are more active." They are entering their elderly years without as many aches and pains, because they have something that keeps them young and keeps them mobile.
Dr. Neha Vyas
Plus, research shows that kids who spend a lot of time with grandma and grandpa tend to have fewer emotional and behavioral problems. The benefits are abundant when grandparents visit their grandchildren in their home or when grandkids go to grandma and grandpa's house.
There is some unconditional love between grandparents and grandchildren and when they go to grandma and grandpa's house the rules may change, and that's okay. As long as they're temporary. Kids are good at compartmentalizing and realizing that there may be some rules that apply in one person's house, and other rules that apply in their parents' house.
Dr. Neha Vyas
Don't look back at lost opportunities. Your grandchildren will be young for only a short time. Take advantage of that time when you can best be involved in their life.
About the Author
Mallory Knee is a freelance writer for multiple online publications where she can showcase her affinity for all things beauty and fashion. She particularly enjoys writing for communities of passionate women who come together for a shared interest and empower one another in the process. In her free time, you can find Mallory trying a fun new dinner recipe, practicing calligraphy, or hanging out with her family.
Mallory Knee
Contributor since September 25th, 2020
Editor's Note
Life evolves over time. You finish school, get a job, start a family, and start thinking about retirement. As you get older, you gain new responsibilities if you are lucky enough to be a grandparent.
Life does start to catch up with us, and we begin to slow down physically and mentally. Some people age more quickly than others. We all will experience a decline in our health. We start to have mobility problems. Some of us will become 'forgetful.' Some will get old and frail.
Aging happens, and the question is, are we prepared for the consequences of longevity and changing health? Too many of us want to ignore the problem or, even worse, become in denial of the reality of life.
Retirement planning should include a plan that addresses the costs and burdens of aging. You don't want to need help with your daily living activities or require supervision due to dementia. Unfortunately, many of us will, and when it does, are you prepared?
Affordable Long-Term Care Insurance is the solution.
Professional long-term health care, be it care at home, adult day care, assisted living facilities, memory care facilities, and nursing home costs are soaring. The financial impact on your budget can be devastating.
Don't ignore the financial impact of long-term health care. No, health insurance, including Medicare, will not pay for most of this care. You will unless you have little or no income and assets. In situations where there are no financial resources, Medicaid will pay.
Only Long-Term Care Insurance can offer you quality care services in your desired setting, including in-home care. Your loved ones will have the time to be family instead of having to become caregivers.
Most people obtain coverage in their 50s to take advantage of low premiums - How Much Does Long-Term Care Insurance Cost? | LTC News.
Seek Professional Help Planning for Long-Term Care
Experts recommend seeking the help of a qualified and experienced Long-Term Care Insurance specialist to help you find the right coverage. A specialist will match your age, health, and family history with the right coverage at the right price.
Long-term care is a very specialized area, and few insurance agents and financial advisors have the expertise. Find a specialist who represents the top companies as premiums can vary over 100% between insurance companies. Leading specialists will often have over 500 clients with Long-Term Care Insurance.
A specialist will save you money, and you will have peace of mind knowing they are making the appropriate recommendations - Work With a Specialist | LTC News.
Planning Tools and Resources Available on LTC NEWS
Planning for the future is never easy, but long-term health care planning can be very complicated and comes with many emotions. Getting the right tools and resources will make the process much easier.
One of the goals is to reduce the stress and anxiety usually placed on your family at the time of crisis. LTC NEWS can be beneficial in providing you with important information for you to consider.
LTC NEWS has put in place several resources, including:
The LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator will show you the current and future cost of long-term health care services where you live. Plus, each state has vital state-specific information you should know - Cost of Care Calculator - Choose Your State | LTC News
The Ultimate Long-Term Care Guide is an outstanding read to help you get a good overview of the topic area.
Compare the major insurance companies that offer Long-Term Care Insurance products here - Top Insurers for Long-Term Care Insurance | LTC News.
A detailed tax guide that includes available tax incentives can be found by reviewing the Long-Term Care Tax Benefits Guide.
You might have questions and LTC NEWS provides the answers for many of the most asked questions here - Frequently Asked Questions | LTC News. Find all the resources available on LTC NEWS - Resources for Long-Term Care Planning | LTC News.
Does Mom or Dad Need Help Now?
If your family is already in crisis and you need to find help and the right care services for mom or dad, LTC NEWS can help. We have put together several comprehensive guides to help you in your process.
Start by reading our four guides -
If your loved one is lucky enough to own a Long-Term Care Insurance policy, be sure they use it. Sometimes families wait, thinking they can save the benefits for a rainy day. Waiting on using available Long-Term Care Insurance benefits is not a wise idea.
Get Assistance in Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim
Many insurance companies have issued Long-Term Care Insurance policies over the years. Filing a claim can sometimes be complicated unless you know what to do or get expert help and assistance.
Don't allow the claim process to stop you from using the benefits available in an LTC policy. Quality care obtained early will help provide a better quality of life and reduce the risk of a deep decline and facility care.
If you need help in starting the process of a Long-Term Care Insurance claim, LTC NEWS can help. LTC NEWS provides free assistance with no obligation to help you or a loved one complete the claims process with a Long-Term Care Insurance policy. We have teamed up with Amada Senior Care, who will do all the work - free with no obligation.
Get help finding quality caregivers or long-term care facilities and get recommendations for a proper care plan, whether a person has a policy. - Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim | LTC News.
Advantages of Reverse Mortgages
Today's reverse mortgages for those aged 62 and older could be an ideal resource to fund a Long-Term Care Insurance policy OR even provide money to pay for care if you, or a loved one, already needs help and assistance. You might be eligible at younger ages as well.
Some people have much of their savings invested in their homes. With today's reverse mortgages, you can find ways to fund care solutions, care itself, and even help with cash flow during your retirement.
Learn more by asking questions to an expert. Mike Banner, LTC NEWS columnist and host of the TV Show "62 Who Knew" will answer your questions regarding caregiving, aging, health, retirement planning, long-term care, and reverse mortgages.
- Just "Ask Mike." - Reverse Mortgages | LTC News.
Share Your Knowledge - Be A Guest Contributor for LTC NEWS
LTC NEWS is open to contributors to share their stories with the world.
You can write a story or ongoing column for LTC NEWS. You can write about many topics, including aging, caregiving, health, lifestyle, retirement planning, and long-term care, to name a few.
Be sure to write for our core target audience of adults aged 40 and older. Our audience is worldwide; however, our primary target is the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and other English-speaking nations.
Improve your website or blog's SEO and gain exposure and traffic at the same time by being a contributor to LTC NEWS.
You can even promote yourself, your business, and your website or blog. However, it must have editorial content exclusive to LTC NEWS and not just an advertisement. It can include links to other sites, and you can share the article link once published on your website or social media.
Email your story idea or article: newsroom@ltcnews.com - LTC News Contributors | LTC News
LTC NEWS - Your Marketing and Advertising Partner
Use LTC NEWS to drive traffic to your website and help you attract people interested in your products and services. Plus, you can improve your website's SEO so more consumers can find you when they search for your products and services.
There are various marketing options available with LTC NEWS. Traditional advertising, sponsored content articles, strategic alliances, and more are available.
Learn more about how LTC NEWS can help you market your business, drive traffic, and improve SEO - Advertise With Us | LTC News.
Shared Links
LTC NEWS offers a 'helpful links' page so readers looking for additional information can find them easily. You can get a dofollow link to your website on LTC NEWS in exchange for a dofollow link on your site.
Let's work together and help consumers who search for us on the web - Site Request | LTC News.
You can also affordably purchase a dofollow link to your website or blog on LTC NEWS. Just contact the advertising department.
Sharing News with LTC NEWS
Include LTC NEWS in your press release distribution. If your group, organization, business, political committee, etc., have news to share, send it to LTC NEWS. Email - newsroom@ltcnews.com
