Grandparents are important to both their children and their grandchildren for many reasons. First, grandparents give children a sense of family, of where they have come from. They show children what kind of person they can become as they grow up. In this way, they become a positive role model for the family.

Second, grandparents provide children with support and encouragement, like being there at concerts and games, and praising them for work well done. When children are beginning to perform in sports or in the arts, they need to know someone cares enough to come and watch, or to be in the audience. It means a lot to them – it’s an important role we grandparents can play. I love going to my grandchildrens’ soccer and baseball games and cheering them on. In the same way, when children see their parents and grandparents accomplishing something good, it sets a positive example for the children. As we go through life, we all need a cheering section!

Third, while the role of parents is full time, grandparents have a bit more freedom. We can enjoy the company of our children and grandchildren, and fill in when needed. I have helped at different things at the kids’ school, which shows them I care, and I am glad when they proudly introduce me to their friends. Grandparents also support parents’ decisions and rules, or explain why not. Sometimes children need an extra explanation of why their parents have made certain rules, so another perspective is important.

Fourth, grandparents often have more time to play games with the children. They can teach skills like sewing, painting, or carpentry that parents may not have time for. My grandfather was an architect who also made furniture. He showed me some of his house plans and explained to me how he figured things out. They had an old farmstead with a cow and chickens, and we went to visit them every week. My grandmother showed me how to milk a cow, churn butter, and how to do a blind stitch in sewing. I was amazed and awed at the things they made with their hands. I think often of them and their influence on my life. I think they are the reason I value old things, and things made by hand.

Grandparents are an important part of the lineage of families. We love our grandchildren and help them succeed. We also have a responsibility to be a good influence. We need a cheering section too, to know we are valued as an important influence on the next generations.