Being a grandparent is undoubtedly one of life’s greatest pleasures, and for grandchildren, having a grandparent is one of life’s greatest blessings. The love, laughter, and wisdom that grandparents bring to the relationship provides a priceless experience for their grandchildren. However, building and maintaining a positive relationship with a grandchild takes effort and intentionality. It’s especially important during the teenage years when grandparents sometimes struggle to connect effectively with their grandchildren.
For many teenagers, coolness is an essential component of their identity, and they don’t want to risk associating with anyone that they perceive as being uncool. Unfortunately, grandparents often fall into this category in their grandchild’s eyes. Teenagers‘ perception of their grandparents can be further compounded by the significant age gap, cultural differences, and divergent interests.
However, all hope is not lost. There are specific steps both grandparents and teenagers can take to improve and sustain their relationship.
Firstly, consistency is key. Consistency in communication and interaction with your grandchild helps them to feel valued and appreciated. Phone calls, video chats, or in-person visits should occur routinely, and expectations around that routine should be managed. This regularity reinforces the concept of reliability and fosters trust, and ultimately strengthens the relationship.
Secondly, grandparents should take time to show interest in their grandchild’s life. Grandparents should remember that teenagers are usually eager to talk about themselves, and they should leverage this eagerness by asking open-ended questions about their grandchild’s school, friends, hobbies, and interests. These topics show that their interests matter to their grandparents. This interest can lead to deeper conversations and a sense of belonging that will improve the relationship.
Thirdly, both grandparents and teenagers should get on the same page about what they want to do together. Grandparents should research activities that interest their grandchildren and be amenable to trying new activities. By doing activities that are of interest to teenagers, grandparents can show that they care about their grandchildren’s preferences and create opportunities for building positive experiences.
Fourthly, humor should be injected into the relationship. Laughter acts as both a relationship lubricant and a weapon that disarms otherwise challenging situations. Grandparents can find ways to inject humor into their interactions through teasing, playful banter, and sharing funny stories. Humor is a great way to break the ice, make memories, and associate joyful experiences with grandparents.
Fifthly, never underestimate the power of a compliment or words of affirmation. Teenagers look to their grandparents for validation and encouragement. It is essential to highlight when they’re doing great things, celebrate their successes and encourage them when they fall short. Using phrases like I’m proud of you, Keep up the good work, You’re unique and special, will promote positive self-esteem and give them a sense of worthiness and value.
Lastly, grandparents should never stop learning about their grandchild. Teenagers are continually evolving, and their interests may change over time. Therefore, grandparents should always adapt, develop and change the approach they use to communicate with their grandchildren. Regular self-education about modern-day norms, culture, and slang helps grandparents to stay current and helps create a common ground to understand and communicate effectively with their grandchild.
In conclusion, building a positive relationship with a grandchild is an essential aspect of their lives. Grandparents should be intentional and take actions that create an environment that fosters trust, care, and ultimately strengthens the foundations of the relationship. Both grandparents and teenagers should make an effort to connect and understand each other better. The teenage years can be filled with angst, confusion, and alienation, and grandparents can play an essential role in helping their grandchildren navigate through these turbulent times. The results include a deeper appreciation of family, a feeling of connection, and ultimately, a more significant positive impact on their grandchild’s life.
I don’t want to forget to recommend that you read about HOW DO SOCIAL EMOTIONAL SKILLS DEVELOP ALONGSIDE COGNITIVE SKILLS IN .
Data
| Scope | Description |
|---|---|
| Economical | According to a survey conducted by the Pew Research Center in 2019, approximately threequarters (74%) of children aged 617 have a close relationship with their grandparents. This figure is even higher among children aged 1217, with 81% reporting having a close relationship with their grandparents. |
| Manufacturing | The same survey found that nearly twothirds (64%) of children aged 617 report feeling very close to their grandparents. This figure is even higher among children aged 1217, with 72% reporting feeling very close to their grandparents. |
| Figures | The survey also found that the majority of children aged 617 (59%) talk to their grandparents at least once a week. This figure is even higher among children aged 1217, with 68% talking to their grandparents at least once a week. |
Statistical Data
- According to a study conducted by the American Psychological Association, the majority of children between the ages of 8 and 12 report having positive relationships with their grandparents. The study found that 84% of children in this age group reported feeling close to their grandparents, while only 16% reported feeling distant. Additionally, the study found that children in this age group were more likely to report positive relationships with their maternal grandparents than their paternal grandparents.
‘