The Mutual Benefits of Grandparent Relationships

Rosemary Bogdan contemplates the value of relationships between grandchildren and grandparents or other seniors. 

My grandchildren’s school has a wonderful “Grandparents’ Day” every school year. I have to say it’s one of my favorite days. The very best part is when your grandchild spots you in their classroom for the first time. Big smiles! They know their most loyal fan has just arrived. I love it and I believe they do, too.  

There’s Nothing Like the Love of a Grandparent 

Having a living grandparent is a great blessing. This school is also sensitive to the fact that some children may not have a grandparent who is able to attend, and those children are told they can invite any other special person in their life. So that potential problem is solved too. 

Seniors have valuable skills that some young people may lack. Grandparents have a strong ability to converse because they never relied on texting or emails for communication when they were young. They know how to talk! They also have good phone skills. These skills are especially notable in great-grandparents.  

The older the senior is, the more polished the skills are. The grandparents know how long a phone call should last. They know how to smoothly change a topic. There are never awkward silences. Most of them know how to do this seamlessly and it’s a very useful skill to have. 

If you don’t have a living grandparent nearby, you could consider adopting one. This could benefit your family and be an act of real charity to the senior. Some are quite lonely. A card or a call can mean the world to them. You thus bring love to the senior and grace to your family as well. 

Fun Facts About Grandparents 

If your child’s school does not have a Grandparents’ Day, perhaps you could take on the task of starting one. If you are homeschooling, your homeschool group or co-op could have a very fun Grandparent’s Day with a small group. Perhaps the children could interview the grandparents, each child taking a turn asking questions. The children could find out how life was different for their grandparents, and the seniors would feel valued. 

I may be revealing my age here, but I remember when I found out that when my grandmother was a young girl, they did not have cars! I was astonished. Both she and my mother had married a little later in life. (I’m not THAT old.) I asked how they got around and she told me, a wide-eyed child, that they used horses and buggies. 

Grandparents will be happy for the attention and time to spend with their grandchildren. They will also be pleased that the children really want to know about them and their past. They could become friends, and the children will learn that their grandparents and other seniors are actually very interesting and loving people. This valuable life lesson can be reinforced and expanded upon by parents.  

If your family is blessed with great-grandparents, the benefits are multiplied for both sides. 

You can explain that the Fourth Commandment applies to grandparents too. You can explain how respect can be especially shown to the elderly. If they don’t hear well, it’s not that hard to speak a little louder and be sure to face the senior so they can see the child’s lips. Many Scripture passages could be referenced about respect. 

Grandparents are special blessings, as are their grandchildren. Let’s teach them to appreciate and value each other. Everyone will benefit. 

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Copyright 2025 Rosemary Bogdan
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