“Nobody can do for little children what grandparents do. Grandparents sort of sprinkle stardust over the lives of little children.” – Alex Haley.
Grandparents play a key role in the lives of children. They are the ones who dote on their grandchildren, love them unconditionally, and are by their side, loving them through thick and thin, even if they make many mistakes, cause untold mischief and give elders grief. While a mother of father may get angry with their children, at times leading to huge rows and a difficult relationship, a grandfather and grandmother will always stay by the side of their grandkids, no matter what. There’s no love like the kind of love a grandparent has for their grandchildren.
Grandparents not only take care of children, often doing the work of babysitters when the parents are away, and making sure the children are happy and well-fed, but they also instruct and inspire the kids by telling them stories about their time, bridging the gap between generations and giving the young ones a sneak peek into the past, giving them insights into the culture of that age, and how it influenced the formation of modern society.
Grandparents are nothing less than magic. With their storytelling, they help develop the child’s imagination, introducing them to the wonder of tales and books and miracles. These are also influential in teaching them many virtues which will hold them in good stead in life.
They are a great blessing for children in their formative years, as their tales and instruction helps develop their personality, and help develop their moral fibre and strength of character.
The love of a grandparent can be simply stated in that old tale, about how a child always returns a few pounds healthier and happier from their grandma’s house. They do love to feed their grandchildren. And when the child is sick, his or her grandpa will be more than willing to sit by the bedside, hold their hand, read them stories, and act as an emotional anchor for them until the fever breaks its hold, even at the detriment of their own health and sleep, which is a necessity in old age.
The emotional bond that a child has with their grandparents is unlike any other. One born from love, and affectionate respect. With their kids, grandparents often discover a second childhood, and relive the joys of their own years with their children.
Not only are they dependable, they are also indispensable, always willing to put children before anything else in life.
Need to send the children for a vacation? They will gladly take them. Need someone to take over while you parents are busy at work? Better call the grandparents. Need someone to watch over the kids and help them study? They are here. Wonder how you can teach them some important life lessons and care for the kids and their health? The grandparents are ever ready to take over.
They’re nothing less than the children’s guardian angels. As the old Italian proverb right states:
“If nothing is going well, call your grandmother.”
