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Staying Connected To Your Grandchildren

There are forces within and outside of your control

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Depending on so many variables of your extended family, this may seem like an easy task. You Love your Grandchildren and they know it. This may be an easy task in a fantasy world but in the 21st century, not so much. There are forces within and outside of your control. I suggest that you will do well to consider the direction given in Luke 12:34 and 35 in the New American Bible (Revised Edition); 34 For where your treasure is, there also will be your heart, be Vigilant and Faithful Servants.[a] 35 “Gird your loins and light your lamps.

If you refuse to recognize these principles, you do it at your own peril. These are real forces in the real world of today. I don’t like some of them either, but please consider them for the sake of your precious Grandkids.

Honor the parents’ wishes

If you were a perfect parent, you may be exempt from this principle. The rest of us are bound by this singularly important rule of the road. The more thoughtful you are of the parents, the better your odds of a Lasting Meaningful Connection to your Grandchild.

  • Practice active listening
  • Listen to learn, not necessarily to respond
  • Spend quality time together
  • Utilize technology when possible
  • Create your own family traditions

Get involved in their interests

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What can get in the way?

  • Unresolved conflict and trauma.
  • A manipulative Grandparent or Parent.
  • Ill-considered angry words or statements.
  • Parents’ misuse of their control of contact. 
  • Emotional manipulation.
  • Financial manipulation.
  • Secret keeping.
  • Threatening correspondence.

These and other behaviors are a harbinger of things to come. As you can imagine, some of these behaviors are really hard to defend. The only hope for defense starts with awareness.

Remember your most important resources are genuine love, intention, attention, and respect. Be present, patient, and flexible as you adapt to these changing behaviors, needs and personalities. Building strong connections takes time and effort, but the rewards are invaluable.

The best resources for staying connected to your grandchildren will depend on a few factors, like their age, your proximity, and preferred modes of communication.

But no matter what, creating lasting meaningful connections is all about nurturing the unique bond you share.