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Grandparents play an incredibly important role in the lives of grandkids. And that thought is not just in our heads. Research has shown that family bonding and the sense of belonging fostered by grandparents play a crucial role in a child’s development. So this post is all about creating a lasting legacy – or celebrating all the ways you already are!
The importance of grandparents involvement with grandkids has also been proven by interviews with grandkids who share all the areas in which their grandparents have influenced their lives.
When we first launched Over the River we determined an acronym based on those areas…LASTING. Because it is by interacting with our grandkids in these seven areas that we create a lasting legacy in their lives.
Today we want to celebrate all the ways you are creating a LASTING legacy for your grandkids.
Learning
You choose to learn something new alongside your grandkids.
Whether it is a new hobby, or your research into what they are learning about in order to support them in their schoolwork or other endeavors. Your grandkids appreciate your efforts!
Active
You are physically active with your grandkids.
And that really makes an impression on them! You take walks, have dance parties, and participate in sports you both enjoy.
Being active together promotes healthy lifestyles for everyone. And doing something together (even if you technically do it separately and then talk about it at a later time) compounds the benefits. Way to go!
Story
You share your story, and the stories of those who have gone before you.
It is a wonderful way to preserve your family’s heritage. You not only tell stories, you share recipes, pass down photo albums, and participate in cultural traditions important to your family.
Your grandkids are learning the history of their family, and also about their own unique place within it.
Talking
We’re talking about the everyday little conversations you have with your grandkids.
The texts, emails, phone calls, and video calls. These are the moments that keep your relationship with them fresh.
And we’re also talking about the more in depth conversations you have as you support them when they’re down, encourage them when life is hard, and cheer them on as they pursue what life has next for them.
You serve as a source of comfort, guidance, and unconditional love.
Investing
You are investing in your grandkids in so many ways.
You are sharing personal anecdotes about how you learned to budget and become financially responsible.
You are helping them by contributing to special projects, and special occasions they are saving for.
And perhaps most significant of all you are modeling what it looks like to invest the time necessary to build strong relationships.
Nurturing
You are nurturing not only a relationship with your grandkids but also your grown kids.
Your support for your grown kids in their parenting is an incredible boost to their morale in these days of parenting during the rapid and ever-changing landscape of parenting.
Gathering
You are a planner and an attender of family gatherings.
You often play a special role in your grandkids milestones such as birthdays, religious celebrations, and graduations.
You understand the importance of your role in bringing the family together. You share the traditions like holiday celebrations, game nights, family reunions or Sunday dinners that your own grandparents passed down.
You create a sense of belonging.
Grandparents, you are amazing! We are blessed to be able to play a role in your lives as you create a LASTING legacy in the lives of your grandchildren.