Studies show that kids need grandparents more than we realize

A lot of research has been done to study the long-term effects of a parent’s relationship with their child or a child with their sibling.

But what about the long-term effects of a close relationship between a grandparent and their grandchild? What is the effect on both of them?

There’s a study conducted by Boston College says that “emotionally close ties between grandparents and adult grandchildren reduced depressive symptoms in both groups.” This was a study with 374 grandparents and 356 adult grandchildren over a 19-year period.

That is impressive. And all because grandparents and grandchildren took their time to build a close relationship with each other.

What else can happen when grandparents take the time to get closer to their grandchild?

Here are ten possibilities.

1. Grandparents teach their grandchildren life lessons.

Grandparents have lived longer lives and have experienced a lot of trials, challenges, and problems, as well as triumphs and celebrations. They’re the best people to go to for advice and they can definitely show what lessons the grandchildren can learn from their mistakes.

2. Grandchildren can run to their grandparents for sympathy and comfort.

When grandchildren run into trouble, especially with their parents, they immediately run to their grandparents for comfort and sympathy. Sometimes, they even turn to their grandparents for advice instead.

3. Grandparents learn not to take themselves too seriously.

Grandchildren aren’t the only ones who learn a thing or two. They can teach valuable lessons to their grandparents as well. And this includes teaching them to lighten up and enjoy their life. They’ve already done the hard work and now they can enjoy their life. Their grandchildren can teach them how to do that.

4. They can be excellent friends.

There’s no pressure to live up to expectations with the grandparents and grandchildren. They can learn about each other without having to worry about unnecessary pressure. They can just enjoy each other’s company all the time.

5. Need a mentor? How about someone who’s been there, done that?

And this is even better if grandchildren happen to work in the same industry or work the same career as their grandparents. Grandparents are so eager to share their knowledge and wisdom. Who better to share them with than their own grandchildren?

6. They offer a sense of stability.

Do you notice that when you’re going through some kind of life crisis that you immediately call or visit your grandparents? Grandparents always know the right words to say or the right things to do to comfort their grandchildren.

7. They care about your needs.

You only need to tell your grandparents what you want or what you need. In a few hours, you’ll definitely get it. It doesn’t matter if it’s food, tickets, or a massage, your grandparents can hook you up like that!

8. Grandparents get to live in the present.

They get to enjoy every minute of the rest of their lives. Their grandchildren will teach them how to experience the things they never tried before. If grandparents teach their grandchildren life lessons, grandchildren will teach them lessons on fun.

9. We teach them.

It’s a neverending cycle of learning and teaching with grandparents and their grandchildren.

10. They give each other endless unconditional love.

No matter how close they are in distance or how apart they will be, grandparents and grandchildren share an unconditional love that no one can break. Sometimes, even if they make the gravest mistakes, they will continue to forgive and love each other.