We are so happy to be grandparents. It is, as many have said, “the reason we didn’t kill our kids when they were teenagers.” This week we are pleased to welcome Thoryn, but are also proud of the accomplishments of the rest of them. Last night, Taisley masterfully played violin in her 24-minute school orchestra concert at Tonaquint Intermediate School. Last week on his 16th birthday, Kaler played his trumpet as part of his school’s jazz quartet. Taisley and Erin are both doing exceptionally well academically – and in sports and other activities – as are Kaler, Kole, Kyle, Lilly, Adyn and Skylar. The older ones are busy rearing their own babies, going to school and working to make their mark in the world.
Recently, I wrote a “Grandparents’ Day” editorial for our
local paper. Here is a portion of what I
wrote and what I feel about being a grandmother:
Genealogists say less than 50 percent of people in the world
know the names of all four grandparents which is sad since psychologists,
sociologists and other professionals know a healthy relationship with
grandparents plays a huge role in the positive development of children. Anthropologist Margaret Mead once even stated
the connections between generations are “essential for the mental health and
stability” of, not just families and their children, but “of a nation.”
The benefits to children in a happy relationship with one or more loving grandparent are numerous. Children have a better sense of who they are and where they’ve come from; feel special – even a little bit spoiled, which – if you ask any child - is a good thing. In many cases, children also get undivided time and attention; develop higher self-esteem, better emotional and social skills; improve or maintain good grades with extra adult influence; have someone to talk to; and, studies show, the knowledge, skills and attitudes children develop through this association tend to stay with them through life.
Involved grandparents play many significant roles in a child’s life. In addition to the person a young girl described as being “the only one in the whole world who can boss my parent’s around,” a grandparent is – or should be – a role model, nurturer, mentor, ancestor, buddy, hero, confidante, spiritual guide, cheerleader, teacher, wizard, and - for those who are technology challenged - even a student!
Kaytee says Thoryn is her last baby so she could also be our last grandchild ... unless, of course, Michael meets and marries some darling girl who wants a baby. In the meantime, being a grandmother is an absolute joy!!!
The benefits to children in a happy relationship with one or more loving grandparent are numerous. Children have a better sense of who they are and where they’ve come from; feel special – even a little bit spoiled, which – if you ask any child - is a good thing. In many cases, children also get undivided time and attention; develop higher self-esteem, better emotional and social skills; improve or maintain good grades with extra adult influence; have someone to talk to; and, studies show, the knowledge, skills and attitudes children develop through this association tend to stay with them through life.
Involved grandparents play many significant roles in a child’s life. In addition to the person a young girl described as being “the only one in the whole world who can boss my parent’s around,” a grandparent is – or should be – a role model, nurturer, mentor, ancestor, buddy, hero, confidante, spiritual guide, cheerleader, teacher, wizard, and - for those who are technology challenged - even a student!
Kaytee says Thoryn is her last baby so she could also be our last grandchild ... unless, of course, Michael meets and marries some darling girl who wants a baby. In the meantime, being a grandmother is an absolute joy!!!
