As Grandparents we have observed enough life to realize that we are most alive when we go outside ourselves. We seem to get the most Joy out of volunteering and the socialization of like minded people we encounter. Now I am not talking about giving up everything and joining some Monastery, or selling everything we have and donating the proceeds to the poor. I am talking about things like volunteering once a week at your local food bank, Baking something for the school bake sale, or even offering to take the Grandkids for a day to give Mom and Dad a break.
There are two aspects to this “Otherness” that I want to address. First is that nothing we do gets by those inquisitive minds of our Grandchildren. If you are doing this they will catch you and that is a good thing. This may open an opportunity for you to explain how doing for others makes the world a better place.
The second aspect is part of a double win. I remember an old saying “You can’t possibly help someone up a hill without getting closer to the top yourself”.
Research has found that volunteering and things like caring for Grandkids goes a long way toward combating loneliness in seniors. It seems that it doesn’t take much. Even things like picking them up from school or taking them to the doctor/dentist so their parents don’t have to take off work helps us surmount our hills of loneliness and feeling like we don’t have purpose.
When I wrote my books on Grandparents Rights I realized that some of the glue that helped mend extended families were deeds just like this.Some alienated Grandparents find these kinds of activities are the only way they get to visit with their Grandchildren. I don’t know about you but I will take that every time.
This may not be a Magic Pill for you and your extended family but it sure is a step in the right direction and at the same time is a powerful teaching moment for your Grandkids. I call that a win-win. I think there is a bit of Magic here, what better way is there to look out for the “Best interest of our Grandchildren”?
Thank You for being a Caring Grandparent.