How to Be the Best Grandparent

All healthy relationships are built on boundaries, and you can set and respect them by:

• Asking the parents what they need from you as a grandparent to their child, their boundaries for your role, and the family rules they follow
• Building a respectful, trusting relationship with the other safe adults in your grandchild’s life, like their other grandparents
• Establishing your own boundaries so you don’t stress and overextend yourself
• Respecting your grandchild’s boundaries as their trusted confidante

Practice Good Communication

Communication is key in any relationship, so take advantage of all the ways you can connect with your loved ones:

• Follow conflict resolution steps to address any conflicts in a healthy way
• Get tech-savvy with phone calls, video chats, social media, and even email exchanges to make plans with the kids and talk with the grandkids
• Keep in touch even if you live far away, and take it as an opportunity to teach your grandchildren the art of writing letters and sending postcards of their trips
• Understand how to respectfully talk to people of all ages so you can connect to any generation

Stay Safe

Wherever you spend time with your grandchildren, make sure you create a safe environment by knowing how to:

• Childproof your home for respective ages
• Follow booster seat and transportation guidelines
• Give CPR to a child or infant
• Make and order food safely that supports their dietary needs
• Practice playground safety
• Prevent illness and care for sick children

Be Present

Your loved ones, especially your grandchildren, can sense if you’re not connected on every level, so show that you are present with them by:

• Being a mindful gift-giver with thoughtful presents that speak to their personality
• Contributing to resources that build generational wealth, such as their college fund
• Setting a budget that allows you to enjoy activities and excursions whenever they visit

Have Fun

At the end of the day, your grandkids want to be excited about spending time with you, so make the most of your time together by:

• Reuniting at memorable events or reunions, like the holiday season
• Sharing family history and special traditions to carry on
• Taking them on unique outings and trips to places that pique their interests, such as a museum or theme park
• Trying new things or working on a project together, like maintaining a garden

Explore how you can make the most of retirement in our ebook, Lifestyle Opportunities in Senior Living Communities!

At Life Enriching Communities (LEC), we’re committed to ensuring patrons feel well-equipped to plan their future and age how they wish. Explore more resources on senior living or contact us today to learn more about our legacy of services and programs that bring meaning and purpose to every stage of life.