Most grandparent wants to have a relationship with their grandchildren like that have in the movies – making cookies together, spending the holidays together, and having special outings. However, it can seem a little scary considering how much times have changed with kids all on their phones nowadays.
To help you with strengthening your grandparent-grandchild bond, here are three tips to consider!
Frequent Contact with Each Other
The best way to build a grandparent-grandchild bond is to spend constant quality time together. In fact, geographical closeness can be one of the strongest and most reliable predictor of a close relationship between grandparents and their grandchild. This is also largely because geographical proximity can also affect frequency of contact. This two factors are to be expected, after all, a grandparent that is around for every meal and special event will be more familiar to their grandchild.
However, not all grandparents can move to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Whether it is because of disabilities, financial limitations, or other forms of considerations, there are many reasons why moving closer or constant travelling isn’t feasible.
This does not mean that you are then doomed to being distant with your grandchildren. In fact, with the invention of video calls, text messaging and social media, it is very easy to stay updated with their day to day life. The best way to bridge physical distance would therefore be to make the time to learn how to use the messaging platforms that they prefer and utilize those to stay in touch with their grandchildren.
Concept of Normalcy
Another large factor to go into building a strong grandparent-grandchildren relationship is that families who have strong intergenerational relationships will be more likely to continue to have them. This can be for many reasons like if your grandchildren pick up from the practices and advice of their parents, or if your family has practices that keep extended family members close. By making the practice of maintaining close relationships a normal occurrence, your grandchildren are more likely to share their thoughts and time with you.
Even if your family does not have this tradition, it is still possible to start by being more opening and proactive with different events and special occasions.
Emotional Bonding
It is important to remember that strengthening a grandparent-grandchild bond takes time and will require effort from both sides to form a deep bond. This will generally involve starting small with talking about more superficial topics and once the trust is formed, there will be more open conversation.
Enjoy Worry-free Senior Living at Discovery Village At Naples
As we grow older, it is normal to need more help with our day-to-day activities. However, this does not mean that you or your loved ones should have your independence or ability to choose your daily activities compromised in any way.
Here at Discovery Village At Naples, we firmly believe that every resident in our senior living community should be able to live a life with dignity, that is stress-free, fun, and full of purpose. An important part of that is having family and loved ones around, which all residents are welcome to do at any time. In fact, you and your loved ones are also welcome to join us at our senior living community events!
For more information on what we offer and how we can help you and your loved ones, contact us today.
