The Roles of Grandfathers

Grandparents play an important role in the development of their grandchildren. According to recent studies, 95 percent of people over age 65 who have adult children also have grandchildren. The average age that Americans become grandparents is 45 and a majority of men expect to become grandfathers at age 52.<br /> <br /> Researchers have found that grandchildren who have a close relationship with a grandfather are likely to perform well in school, display positive emotional adjustment, have higher self-esteem and have a greater ability to develop and maintain friendships.<br /> <br /> Grandfathers who report having close relationships with grandchildren describe the significant joy they experience as a result of the unconditional love they feel for their grandchildren. Spending time with their grandchildren and displaying photographs of them provides reminders of their connection to future generations.<br /> <br /> Grandparents provide a sounding board for grandchildren. Grandparents are one step removed from direct disciplinary and parenting responsibilities, and because of this, grandchildren tend to be more relaxed and open to sharing with them. <br /> <br /> A grandparent's perspectives, formed from years of experience, can assist grandchildren's growth and attempts to learn about their family, relationships, and world.<br /> Grandfathers have lived through cultural changes and technological revolutions. These experiences can be shared through stories told in a lively, engaging way that teaches their grandchildren. Even simple stories about growing up and learning lessons in life are great teaching tools for grandparents. <br /> <br /> Grandfathers can have a powerful influence on their grandchildren by teaching perseverance, loyalty, hard work, patience and sacrifice. While stories may cause grandchildren to think about personal values, a grandfather's actions also are important. Grandchildren are observers, and they can learn powerful, lasting lessons from watching a grandfather go through life with dignity, generosity and a sense of humor. <br /> <br /> Grandchildren want to know and learn about their family heritage, connect to the past and understand their place in their family's history. Grandfathers are living links between the generations: they help grandchildren become acquainted with extended family members, either in person or through photographs and stories.<br /> <br /> Tips For Grandparents<br /> *Spend one-on-one time with a grandchild, teaching him or her a skill you have (for example, woodworking, fishing, stamp collecting or other hobby).<br /> *Learn more about computers and the Internet together with your grand<br /> children.<br /> *Show respect for your grandchildren's parents

http://accesswdun.com/article/2008/1/205398