There are over 70 million grandparents in the United States, which is a record high and amounts for a large portion of the population.
And many grandparents are younger than you might expect. The average age for a first-time grandparent is around 48 and many between the ages of 45 to 64 are still working.
Grandparents today spend generously on their grandchildren — school supplies and tuition head the list.
This is completely different from the grandmother I had. Today’s grandmother is different, but she still hasn’t chosen to get a tattoo. No, she hasn’t made that choice yet.
What’s in a name
There are many names for grandmothers. In Italy, she’s called Noni; in Greece, Yaya; in Israel, Savtah; and I’m called Bubbe, which is Yiddish. You might even have a special name that your grandchild loves to call you, perhaps Nana or some version of that.
But whatever she’s called, what the grandchild will receive from a loving grandparent is unconditional love.
More grandparents equals more love
An important component of a loving family is the grandparents, something children today have more of.
Many people were not fortunate enough to have four grandparents in the past. A lot of grandparents were lost in world conflicts or due to their children relocating to this new world of scattered people. My grandmother didn’t have a phone, but today, no matter where you live, you can still reach out and be close to your grandchild. In fact, 75 percent of grandparents are currently online, so times are changing.
A grandparents role in the lives of their grandchildren
Some grandparents don’t think they should spoil their grandchildren, but many do just that.
I met Alex Haley, the author of the best-selling book “ROOTS,” and he said, “Nobody can do for little children what grandparents do. Grandparents sort of sprinkle stardust over the lives of little children.”
An Oxford University study indicated that children whose grandparents are involved in their lives show fewer behavioral and emotional problems.
Today, due to longevity and scientific discoveries, grandparents can, and should be, a vital part of their grandchildren’s lives. Even if they don’t live close by, they can talk to and see their grandchildren via video calls. Additionally, family visits on holidays or birthdays give the grandchild the opportunity to form a loving relationship with their grandparents and this connection will offer a sense of stability and a shield of love that will make them feel secure as they go forward in life.
Keeping grandparents close
The respect and caring for the grandparents that the child’s parents offer will be a model that will mirror and reflect how they behave in later years. As they say, “as you sow, so shall you reap.” Good examples teach a child more than words can ever say.
Framing a picture of the grandparents with their grandchild and putting it on the dresser in a child’s room is an excellent way to keep the grandparents who live a distance away close to their grandchild. A grandparent can watch a program the child likes and then call the youngster and talk about it. Receiving mail from a grandparent with some stickers in the envelope is always fun and something to look forward to. Keeping up the connection with your grandchild is vital.
Remember that grandparents and even great-grandparents have an important role in the family. Share your love and family history with younger generations. They will remember that all their lives and someday those lessons will be passed on to their grandchildren, thanks to you.
Reaching out the hand of love is a gift that will be treasured now and forever and your place in the child’s heart will be secured for a lifetime. Each hug and each compliment will help make your precious grandchild someone to be loved and proud of. So do it and do it today — the sooner, the better. It’s always the right time for a hug.
Judith Levy is the New York Times best-selling author of “Grandmother Remembers,” which has sold 4 million copies to date. Her newest illustrated book, “Great-Grandmother Remembers” is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
