Grandparents and Grandchildren: Match Made in Heaven

By Jody Smith HERWriter

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grandparents and grandchildren are a match made in heaven

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Grandparents and grandchildren just seem like a natural fit. And research from Concordia University and Wilfrid Laurier University, bears this out.

Medicare.org reported that visits with your grandchildren may keep old people young longer, both physically and mentally.

Grandparents can offer so much to their grandkids. They tend to have more time available to the children than the parents can afford.

Years of experience, family traditions and stories about the children and their parents make grandparents a valuable commodity. And all of this is wrapped up in the unique love they can give their grandkids.

Seniors often have less to juggle in their daily lives, and can make more time with their families. Theirs is a special touch with family celebrations, vacations and holidays.

At a time of life when many seniors may feel like they've been set aside, grandparents can be at the center of of their grandchildren's sense of family, history and continuity. Not bad rewards for spending afternoons drinking pretend tea and driving toy cars across the carpet with the little ones you love most.

This is of course much easier to do if your children and grandchildren live in your area, or even within a couple of hours' drive. But what if your family lives in another state, or even another country?

If you travel to them, or if they come to you, the logistics will be different from those in the same community, but still workable with a little imagination and planning.

If you are the one traveling to visit your family, you may be staying in the guest room, or you might rent a cottage or hotel room nearby. Here, simply following the basic rules of being a good guest will be all you need to keep in mind.

That, and Rule Number One for grandparents -- Bring gifts!

If on the other hand you will be playing host to your grandchildren, with or without their parents, there are a few things to take care of ahead of time. Take the age of your grandchildren into consideration. Toddlers will require special vetting of the terrain.

That is to say, everything that can be put up high, should be put up high.

Make sure cupboards and drawers within a few feet of the floor have no contents that might be hazardous. This of course includes pills, cleaning supplies, sharp objects, and small parts that could be swallowed.

Safety covers for plugs and outlets, and childproof locks and latches can make everyone's life easier not to mention safer.

Not having to run interference or holler "No!" at every turn will definitely create a more pleasant environment for your family memory-building. It will also increase the chance of everyone wanting to do it again next time.

Sources:

Bonding with grandchildren can help seniors age well and remain positive. Medicare.org. Retrieved April 29, 2012
http://www.medicare.org/medicare-news/health-and-wellness/384-bonding-wi...

Flamborough Seniors: Grandchild-proof your home. Flamboroughreview.com. Retrieved April 29, 2012.
http://www.flamboroughreview.com/opinion/flamborough-seniors-grandchild-...

Visit Jody's website and blog at http://www.ncubator.ca and http://ncubator.ca/blogger

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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.