Why grandparents seeing their grandkids is good for everyone
By: J.L. Rose
As if most grandmothers needed another reason to see their grandkids.
It turns out the more grandparents see their grandkids, the better their mental health, according to the National Poll on Healthy Aging, based at the University of Michigan’s Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation.
Data from the Poll on Healthy Aging shows grandparents who see their grandkids more are less likely to say they feel isolated. Specifically, 78% of grandparents who see grandchildren daily or almost daily said they rarely feel isolated, compared to 65% of grandparents who only see their grandchildren every few months or less.
Grandparents spending time with their grandkids is actually mutually beneficial, according to Christian Pay, professor, Utah State University Extension.
Grandparents provide acceptance, patience, love, stability, wisdom, fun and support to their grandchildren. This, in turn, has positive effects on a child’s well-being,” Pay wrote.
How can moms help cultivate this important relationship? Pay suggests:
Help facilitate frequent visits between your parents and kids.
Take advantage of technology to stay help your parents and kids stay in touch.
Help your children write letters to their grandparents.
If moms have a trusting relationship with their parents, take advantage of the grandparent-grandchild relationship and take some time for yourself.
And here’s a little something for the grandmothers in your life.
Encouraging Affirmations For Grandmothers | Encouragement for Women in their Grandmother Role
J.L. Rose, MA is a mom, communications expert and storyteller with more than 20 years of experience in journalism, strategic communications and education. She has been published by Scary Mommy, StepMom Magazine and more. She earned two Honorable Mentions in the Writer’s Digest Annual Writing Comeptition. She is creator of Storytime for Moms on YouTube, a grown-up storytelling channel for women who want to laugh, feel seen or escape for 10 minutes. The channel is dedicated to giving moms a well-deserved break for themselves in a space where moms support moms and it’s all about self-care.