If you’re lucky, you’ll be a grandparent one day. However, not everyone has the skill or gift to be a great, memorable grandparent that the kids won’t get enough of. In this article, we look at the traits you need to have to be the best grandparent the grandkids could ever wish for.
Cultural Expert
Grandparents can be like a bridge to the past, teaching grandchildren about their heritage and traditions. They share the family’s cultural values and practices and sometimes even teach them the language or crafts of their ancestors. Culture is very important. Family Lives says, “Encourage your children to talk about their traditions and your family’s way of life to their friends so that they grow up proud of their culture.”
Supportive Role Model
The Cambridge Dictionary defines a role model as “a person who someone admires and whose behavior they try to copy.” They lead by example, demonstrating commitment to their values and principles in everyday life. Being a supportive role model, grandparents show positive behavior and attitudes.
Patience Is Their Virtue
Patience is important because it helps in creating a nurturing environment for grandchildren. A patient grandparent stays calm when things get tough, understands that children make mistakes, and takes the time to explain things. They don’t rush or get angry easily. This calm and caring way of dealing with things makes children feel loved and safe to learn and grow.
Emotional Anchor
An emotional anchor in the form of a grandparent can be a lifeline during challenging times. A child’s emotional health is very important. Premier Education says, “Early experiences shape the architecture of the developing brain. Any disruptions to this developmental process will have a negative impact on the child’s capacity for learning, ability to respond to stress, and on their relationships with others.”
Unconditional Love
Unconditional love means a grandparent loves their grandchild no matter what. They show this love all the time, even when the child is not doing well or making mistakes. Knowing they’re loved like this helps children feel good about themselves and know they are loved.
Wisdom
Grandparents’ wisdom comes from their own life stories, helping grandchildren learn important lessons and solve problems wisely. They often give great advice because of these lived experiences. These stories help their grandkids deal with problems and make good choices.
Storytelling Expert
Good grandparents are great at telling stories. They share tales from their own life or the family’s history. They use these stories to teach, entertain, and spark the imagination of their grandkids. Storytelling makes the time spent together fun and interesting, helping grandchildren learn more about where they come from and the world around them.
Boundless Energy
Kids are super active and always on the go. Grandparents with a lot of energy can keep up with this pace. They join in on physical activities, play, and explore new things eagerly. It’s hard to play hide and seek five times a day if your energy levels are very low.
Laughter and Joy
Grandparents who bring laughter and joy make life fun. They find funny things in everyday life, keep a happy mood, and make everyone feel light-hearted. Joyful grandparents make family time happy and memorable, filling their grandkids’ lives with laughter and happiness.
Active Listener
Good listeners really pay attention to what others say and how they feel. They show they understand and care, making it easy for kids to talk to them. When grandparents listen well, they help their grandchildren express themselves and feel understood.
Nurturing Nature
You can tell someone is nurturing if they look after both the physical and emotional needs of others. They provide comfort and support, especially in difficult times, and encourage healthy habits. This caring nature shows in how they make sure their grandchildren are healthy, happy, and well looked after.
Generous with Time
Grandparents who share their time create strong bonds with their grandchildren. They make sure to be there for special events and regular activities, showing that they value this time together. Whether during simple visits or special outings, shared times mean a lot in building lasting relationships and making cherished memories.
Tech Savvy
Tech-savvy grandparents can maintain close relationships with their grandchildren, no matter the distance. They adapt to new gadgets and platforms to communicate and bond with the younger generation. The willingness to embrace technology not only keeps them connected but also shows their grandchildren the importance of learning and adapting to new trends.
Flexible and Adaptable
Flexible and adaptable grandparents stay in touch with their grandchildren’s evolving lives. Open to new ideas and experiences, they manage changes in family dynamics with positivity, maintaining a close-knit relationship with their grandchildren and showing their commitment to them.
Financial Wisdom
Sharing financial wisdom can be one of the most lasting legacies of a grandparent. They can give financial advice by teaching money management skills, guiding grandchildren toward financial responsibility, and sharing insights into saving, spending, and investing wisely.
Health and Safety Advocate
Health and safety-focused grandparents prioritize the well-being of their grandchildren, educating them on maintaining physical and emotional health. Their vigilance in creating a safe and nurturing environment helps ensure their grandchildren’s well-being in all aspects of life.
Life-Long Learner
Grandparents who are life-long learners inspire their grandchildren to seek knowledge and growth. If you want to be such a grandparent, Indeed recommends trying new things to help keep your mind open to new ideas. This way, you can introduce your grandkids to these ideas as well.
Legacy Creator
Creating a legacy is about imparting wisdom, love, and experiences that will last for generations to come. Your legacy can be whatever you want it to be. However, you must actively and intentionally work toward building and maintaining it. Nothing of substance happens by accident.