Over the past ten years, I have written two books and 300+ articles about Grandparents’ Rights, but now I am transitioning to voicing the other half of that equation. We must also approach the Grandparents’ Responsibilities.
Chief among these responsibilities, weighted very significantly, is; To stay abreast of and support what the parents are imparting to the young minds of your Grandkids. It is tough to let go of the reins of being the parent of your Grandkids parent. I get it.
Trifecta of Guidance
Given my course of study and commitment to this area of being the best Grandparent I know how to be, on the heels of decades of working in Youth Ministry, I can say with some authority that a united front of values is by far the most important gift we can offer our children and Grandchildren. I call this the Trifecta of guidance. When a young impressionable mind hears the same value reinforced that their parents are teaching, it synergizes the impression it makes.
The flip side of this coin is when a grandparent, however healthy or ill-intentioned, contradicts a parent’s wishes. I can assure you that this is why most Grandparent relationships run off the rails. Both of my books were written with the core question in mind, “How much do you want to pay to be right?” This is especially true when you are the inlaw, and you feel, rightfully or not, that your child is not being treated right by their Ex. Let me be clear. Your wanting to spend time with your Grandchildren has nothing, nada, zero to do with how their parents’ relationship has worked out. Please reread that sentence and then reread the Chief Grandparents’ responsibility. Once again, I get it, and it is hard. Please consider this, are you trying to relitigate the past or see your Grandchildren?
If you read 300+ articles, especially those written years ago, you will find that many of the Grandparents’ family relationship problems are somewhat self-inflicted. Please don’t shoot the messenger, but rather be honest with yourself.
Thanks for being a Caring Grandparent.
Recent Posts
Grandparenting Workshops and Seminars: What to Expect and How to Plan One
Grandparenting workshops are in high demand. Learn what makes them effective, which topics resonate most…
Neil Taft Speaking Topics: Building Stronger Grandparent Relationships
Neil Taft's speaking topics address the real challenges modern grandparents face - from estrangement to…
How to Find the Right Grandparenting Speaker for Your Event
Finding the right grandparenting speaker means looking beyond credentials to real-world experience, viral reach, and…
Scarlet Turns 21: A Letter from Papa Jamie
A grandfather's letter to his granddaughter on her 21st birthday. Wisdom on identity, relationships, risk,…
When the Bridge Breaks: How to Rebuild Your Relationship With Your Grandchildren’s Parents
Strained grandparent-parent relationships are more common than families admit. When the bridge breaks, rebuilding requires…
Your Grandchildren’s Parents Are Your Bridge to Them
The most important grandparenting relationship isn't with your grandchildren – it's with their parents. When…