How grandchildren of today differ to the grandkids of yesteryear
There’s no denying it – times have certainly changed. The world we grew up in would be barely recognisable to our grandchildren. But just as it’s important for kids to learn about the past, grandparents need to embrace what’s different and special about children of today. By understanding what’s different about grandkids today, we can build better and stronger relationships with our grandkids.
Technology is integrated into everything they do
It’s like grandkids are born knowing how to use technology. Children these days are tech-savvy, able to handle all the gizmos and gadgets even if they’ve never used it before! While there are both pros and cons to the technology-obsessed world we live in now, it’s an undeniable fact that all things tech are an inextricable part of our grandchildren’s lives.
What to do: Connect with grandchildren through technology. Get them to teach you how to use their favourite devices and connect with them at their level: emailing, using Facebook, Skype or texting for example. Also, remember that grandparents are in the unique position to teach children there is a whole wide world out there that could actually be better than the World Wide Web. Many kids growing up in the digital age need to be gently nudged outside and who better than by loving grandparents.
They seem to grow up faster than ever
With access to a wealth of information that most of us were shielded from as a child, grandkids of today seem to be growing up faster than ever. In this fast-paced digital age, grandparents play an important role. Grandkids of any age often feel more comfortable confiding with grandparents rather than parents about complicated issues they may face.
What to do: Forget about what’s considered “normal” and approach their experiences with an open mind. It might never have been a situation you would have encountered in your childhood but grandparents are also wells of wisdom, stability and experience whose common-sense approach can help kids today.
Families live farther apart
It was common in the past for multi-generations of family to live on the same street. However, in this increasingly globalised world, families are living father apart – in the big cities, interstate or even overseas. But even though the distance may be greater than ever before, thanks to technology it means it doesn’t have to stop grandparents from connecting with grandkids.
What to do: Utilise the great technology that makes staying in touch easier than ever. You can use free video-chatting services, Skype and FaceTime. Facebook is an unobtrusive way to see what grandkids are up to (since they’re most likely very active on social media). Being physically close isn’t a requisite for being close to grandchildren so use all the wonderful technology available to foster a close relationship.
Related links:
8 reasons why it’s important to read to your grandkids
Grandparents are key to happy grandchildren
Why “overpraising” your grandchildren is harmful