Nothing puts a smile on my face like looking at pictures of, or being with, my two grandchildren. I believe that spending time with them boosts serotonin not only for me, but for them as well. In fact, my grandson is named after my father as a tribute to my son’s solid relationship with him.
A Harris Poll Research shows that at least 42% of grandmothers care for their grandchildren. In fact, Newsday’s cover of the July 31st issue touted, “When Child Care Costs as Much as College” emphasizing the fact that it is getting increasingly difficult for Long Islanders to pay for childcare, so many of them rely on their parents.
Yet there is an upside in that grandparents are getting to know their grandchildren on many levels. “One in ten live in the same households as their grandchildren and babysit, and 5% of grandparents provide their grandchildren’s primary care,” (AARP Survey, 2019). Bonds between children and grandparents are strengthening as a result. Although there may be intergenerational differences on raising children, input from grandparents can be quite invaluable. A friend of mine said that in caring for her grandchildren, “You’re keeping your family history alive.” My maternal grandparents lived their entire lives in Germany, and I was fortunate to be able to visit with them most summers for three weeks at a time. With them, I formed a special bond that is unparalleled by any other relationship in my life. They taught me to be self-sufficient, proud of my accomplishments, the importance of family, and that money does not buy love. They lived a modest life in an un-airconditioned railroad apartment: no tub, shower, or running hot water. Yet they were content, unspoiled, a lesson I learned from them first-hand.
Today I try not to spoil my grandchildren too much with material things. Although they live in another state, when I am with them, I would much rather take them to parks and playgrounds, give them experiences, than buy them things to remember me by. My son and daughter-in-law are teaching them to value relationships with family and friends and to not be afraid to go out and explore the world. Through bi-monthly visits and FaceTime, we are forging what I envision will be a strong, lifelong bond.
So, cheers to our all caregiving and loving grandparents and to those of us who are blessed to be grandparents.
Happy Grandparent’s Day!
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