What Is Our Role as Grandparents?
Category: Family and Retirement
April 7, 2022 – A few weeks ago I attended a concert by Ellis Delaney, a folk singer and songwriter with a lovely voice and inspiring lyrics. “You’re Royalty to Me” is one of her best songs, in my opinion. It is a tribute to her grandmother, her main source of support growing up. Ellis spoke about the great times they had together, playing cards and enjoying each other’s company, and most of all experiencing unconditional love. The song’s message gave me goosebumps, particularly from this line: “I am who I am because I was loved by a queen”. You can read the beautiful lyrics to the song here.
Wow, that song seemed like a direct message about our potential as grandparents. Sure, savoring the joy these kids bring to life can be pretty great. But this song is a message that grandparenting is bigger than just enjoying them. To me, it shows that if we can be a reliable source of unconditional love and support, we might make a difference in their lives, just like Ellis’s grandma did. That extends to supporting the parents, who face incredible pressures in trying to raise children in this age, even before Covid.
Comments on "What Is Our Role as Grandparents?"
Danno says:
This same article applies (albeit to a much lesser degree) to childless folks who have close relationships with nieces and nephews. The wife and I won't make a "where to live" decision based on their proximity but we do have them vacation with us from time to time.
Nieces/nephews or grandnieces/nephews are like grandchildren as we do all the fun stuff with them/spoil them and then hand them back. When they were children we would babysit during their parents date night or keep them for a long weekend while the parents went to Vegas and now that they are adults we have them vacation with us.
BillyBogey says:
Laff with them. Laff for them & Laff at yourself!!
& take them Home to their Parent's!!
& as you back out of Parent's Driveway.
Smile!!
& say "Got Even!!"
HaHa!! Too Funny!!
PS: Do not have the Grandmother with you
as you will have Sore Ears for the Next Year!!
Trust me on this!!
Lisa says:
What lucky kids and grandkids you have! Lovely article and thank you for introducing me to Ellis Delaney - wow! No grandkids yet so will spend more time listening to lovely folk singers ;)
John Brady says:
Another interesting experience for a grandpa:
https://squaredawayblog.bc.edu/squared-away/the-pandemic-was-a-gift-to-this-grandpa/
Clyde says:
We were unable to have kids, thus no grandchildren. But we love kids. Does anyone have experience with a foster grandparent program or can explain how they work?
CAP says:
Your post Clyde, had me recalling a lovely grandmother that volunteered her time at the school that my children attended. She listened to and helped the children that needed extra help learning how to read. If the public schools don't allow it, you could try charter or private schools. They are usually more open to volunteers.