Why Grandparents Love Their Grandchildren More?

Dr Jeanette Pinto –

Have you ever wondered why grandparents love their grandchildren more than their children? The answer is simple. Its because they feel they are getting another chance to love and care for the small version of YOU again. They find joy in the unconditional love and admiration from their grandchildren. Every moment with your grandchildren builds your legacy.

It is important to have a great relationship between grandchildren and grandparents which is significant and multifaceted. Firstly, consider emotional support and stability. Grandparents most often share a unique and strong emotional bond with their grandchildren, creating a safe space and special security which can impact their development. Studies have shown that strong grandparent-grandchildren relationships, reduce   depression and anxiety of children. This emotional support contributes to a child’s healthy development.

Cultural and family heritage serves as a vital link to the family’s past, helping grandchildren understand their roots and cultural background. Grandparents are the keepers of family traditions, stories, and values. By sharing family stories from the past, singing songs, sharing recipes, and enacting special customs and traditions, they enrich the child’s understanding of their heritage. Some create imaginary stories for their grandchildren, arousing their curiosity and this makes children excellent listeners. The connection fosters a sense of identity and belonging, which research shows is essential for a child’s self-esteem and emotional health.

Embracing technology is a key element in maintaining contact and keeping in touch with one another.  Today we live in a so called ‘techy world.’  Video calls, instant messaging and social media have transformed how families stay connected. Regular video calls via platforms like Zoom or FaceTime allow grandparents to participate in daily routines, witness milestone moments such as birthdays and school performances. Perhaps schedule a consistent time for “virtual visits” to establish a routine children can anticipate and enjoy. This consistency reinforces the special relationship between the child and the grandparent.

The role of grandparents continues to evolve actively across various cultures. Time spent together can enhance socialization, reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. Research indicates that grandchildren may lose interest in their grandparents after age ten influenced by various factors. However, it is important to maintain healthy boundaries in order that the relationship remains positive and healthy.  Grandparents should support not over ride the parents’ approach to child-raising, or else it may result in conflicts with parental caregiving environment.

A grandparent does not have automatic rights, to see their grandchild or interfere in the routine. It is important to nurture the relationship for the well-being of both. In various faiths, grandparents are seen as crucial figures in shaping the spiritual development of their grandchildren. They are often entrusted with the responsibility of passing on faith and values from one generation to the next.  Some cultures view them as revered elders while others see them as spiritual mentors or prayer warriors.

The Bible teaches that grandparents are a source of wisdom and experience. Throughout scripture grandparents are referred to as “elders” “forefathers” or “ancestors.” They are crucial to God’s plan of salvation for the whole world, for they have the responsibility of passing on the baton of faith from generation to generation.  Grandparents are guided: “Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely, so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and their children after them.” (Deuteronomy 4:9).

Grandparents are often repositories of wisdom and experience, having lived through a myriad of life’s challenges and triumphs. Their stories, anecdotes, and advice serve as valuable life lessons for their grandchildren.  Grandparents are truly a blessing in every sense. They provide love, wisdom, comfort, and unforgettable memories. The bond they offer is irreplaceable, and something one will cherish forever. If you are lucky enough to have grandparents in your life, make sure to appreciate them every day.

“Today, (July 26) the Church celebrates the parents of the Virgin Mary, the grandparents of Jesus, Saints Joachim, and Anne. In their home, Mary came into the world, accompanied by the extraordinary mystery of the Immaculate Conception. Mary grew up in the home of Joachim and Anne; she was surrounded by their love and faith: in their home she learned to listen to the Lord and to follow his will. Saints Joachim and Anne were part of a long chain of people who had transmitted their faith and love for God, expressed in the warmth and love of family life, down to Mary, who received the Son of God in her womb and who gave him to the world, to us. How precious is the family as the privileged place for transmitting the faith!” – Pope Francis, Angelus, July 26, 2013.