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New BYU research shows there is a correlation between grandparent involvement and how grandchildren treat others and, sometimes, how they perform in school and socially.
In fact, Professor Jeremy Yorgason says if there's a takeaway from this study it's, "Yes, let's involve grandma and grandpa in some of our routines and rituals; more than just the holidays.
BYU Education Week instructor Lauralee Christensen says grandparents have a uniquely powerful ability to influence, motivate, teach, protect and guide their grandchildren through their love, example and teachings.
Christensen says first and foremost, grandchildren need to feel a grandparent's love. The opportunity to teach or influence increases greatly when they know our love is strong and unconditional. This special relationship adds immeasurably to their feelings of identity and worth. "Teens will feel safe coming to you for advice and help because they know your love is unwavering," Christensen said.
Here's some "grand loving" ideas:
- Send love notes. Frequent short notes containing specific praise are often more meaningful than an annual long "birthday letter".
- Be the "president" of your grandchild's fan club! Let them hear you raving about them. Remember to celebrate the effort as well as the accomplishment.
- Spend individual time with them. Go for a milk shake, play a game, pursue a hobby together. Ask lots of questions and listen carefully.
- Get outdoors together. Take a walk in the rain, have a winter picnic, or watch a summer sunset until it becomes dark and the stars appear.
- Hang their art on your wall or keep a scrapbook of things they give you.
- Give them each a framed picture of you with them. Use their picture as your screensaver.
- Keep a quote book with their cute sayings to give them when they grow up.
- Write them a letter the day they are born, describing the reactions and joy of everyone in the family, how they looked, etc.
- Teach them games from your childhood
- Ask them to teach you something they do well
- Pre-arrange with the parents to play hooky together for a day
- Let them see the affection and love you share as a couple
Lauralee Christensen will be talking about how grandparents can leave a legacy of faith in an upcoming episode of Mormon Times. Share your ideas on how you've strengthened your grandkids' testimonies on Facebook
