The 10 “types” of grandparents
In his book, The Grandparent Guide: The Definitive Guide to Coping with the Challenges of Modern Grandparenting, Dr. Arthur Kornhaber, a psychiatrist and founder of a non-profit organisation that promotes the importance of grandparenting identified 10 special roles grandparents play in the lives of grandchildren, all showing the profound impact grandparents can have on children’s lives. Which role, or roles, do you most identify with?
Ancestor – “You function as an ambassador to the past, a powerful figure in the present, and a role model for the future.”
Buddy – “You’re a pal, secret confidante, and at times, even a light-hearted conspirator.”
Hero – “The fact that you have lived in times and places so far removed from your grandchild’s everyday experiences imbues you with heroic qualities.”
Historian – “Sharing your own life experiences as well as those of your ancestors will give your grandchild a sense of continuity and belonging.”
Mentor – “You are a cheerleader firing her imagination, inspiring her dreams, nurturing her spirit, and encouraging her intellectual growth while giving her a sense of self-worth.”
Role model – “Your actions show your children and grandchildren how they should behave as grandparents of the future.”
Spiritual guide – “Acting as a spiritual guide involves teaching your grandchild to harvest such fruits of the spirit as love, tolerance, compassion, reverence, joy, peace, gentleness, faith, and kindness.”
Teacher – “As a grandparent, you have the right and the responsibility to run your own classroom about life, to develop your own curriculum, and to pass on your wisdom, knowledge, and life experience.”
Student – “Just as you teach and inspire your grandchild with your knowledge, she can teach and inspire you with her knowledge of contemporary times across generations and motivate you to jumpstart your capacity to grow and change.”
Wizard – “Activate your own wizardry and be your grandchild’s companion in the preternatural world of make-believe and illusion, of dreams and surprises. Fly together on the wings of fancy and enjoy the flight!”
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