Studies show when grandma and grandpa take an active role in their grandchildren’s lives, EVERYONE benefits.
According to Cleveland Clinic family medicine physician Neha Vyas, M.D., one big benefit grandparents can get comes from chasing after little ones.
Children running
“We have noticed that grandparents who are involved in grandchildren’s, or surrogate grandchildren’s lives, are more active. They are entering their elderly years without as many aches and pains, because they have something that keeps them young and keeps them mobile.” – Neha Vyas, M.D.
Children playing
In addition to keeping grandma and grandpa on the move, research has shown that involved grandparents report having more meaning in their lives, as well as lower levels of stress and depressive mood.
When it comes to mom and dad, Dr. Vyas says having grandparents nearby can help ease the burden of child-caring, and overall stress.
And for grandchildren, research haws shown kids who get to spend a lot of time with grandma and grandpa tend to have fewer emotional and behavioral problems.
Kids soccer football – small children players exercising before match on soccer field
For families who are separated by geographical distance, Dr. Vyas said the technologically savvy can use videoconferencing apps to keep in touch.
NATIONAL LAMPOON’S VACATION, Anthony Michael Hall, Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Dana Barron, 1983
If not, calling on the phone and writing letters helps keep the lines of communication open too.
Dr. Vyas says it helps to be specific – tell grandparents your child’s teachers’ names and their friends’ names. This helps the grandparent and grandchild feel even more connected.
Kids gym class and excercise in gymnasium
If grandparents are very far away, and frequent visits are not possible, Dr. Vyas said it’s important for kids to be able to see what grandma and grandpa look like.
“It’s important to have lots of pictures – not just in the digital realm – but to print out those pictures and have them around your house, so that grandchildren can see what their grandparents look like, and to have that exposure on a day-to-day basis,” she says.
But, of course, Dr. Vyas admits nothing beats an in-person visit, so it’s good to try to plan a trip to grandma’s house whenever possible.
“There is some unconditional love between grandparents and grandchildren and when they go to grandma and grandpa’s house the rules may change, and that’s okay. As long as they’re temporary. Kids are good at compartmentalizing and realizing that there may be some rules that apply in one person’s house, and other rules that apply in their parents’ house.” -Cleveland Clinic family medicine physician Neha Vyas, M.D.
HAPPY GRANDPARENT’S DAY!
Dedicated to my own beautiful grandparents who gave me the gift of health benefits.
Blog contact: Maria.Dorfner@yahoo.com
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