What grandparents can do for grandchildren

• Spend time with grandchildren in a busy world - time to have fun, time to explore the world and time to just be together.
  
  
• Give grandchildren love (without the added burdens of being a parent).
  
  
• Grandfathers, in particular, may not have been able to really spend time with their own children in the way that they can with grandchildren.
  
  
• Keep the family history alive. Help grandchildren to know where they fit in the world by telling stories about the family history. Tell them stories about their parents when they were young.
  
  
• Keep the family networks alive. Keep in touch with all the family members.
  
  
• Let the family know about old family traditions as the family grows and changes and new traditions are built. You can help to keep the best of the old, as you and the family work out new ways to manage Christmas celebrations, holidays and birthdays.
  
  
• Give security and protection - especially at times when there are family problems. Grandparents can be there for the grandchildren to support and protect them.
  
  
• Build grandchildren’s self esteem by taking a personal interest in them.