Today’s grandparents are busier and have more responsibilities than ever before. They have less time to spend with their grandkids as they juggle work, other obligations, and travel. However, grandparents who actively engage with their grandchildren can have a positive impact on their development. Great-grandparents play an important role in child development, too. They provide the opportunity for children to learn about history and cultural traditions they may not get from parents or teachers. Grandparents are also helpful resources for information about schools, colleges, and financial aid — things that today’s kids need sooner rather than later. Here is an overview of how your role as a grandparent impacts your grandchild’s development:

Establish a sense of trust and security

As your grandchild grows, you will have the opportunity to help him or her develop a sense of trust and security. This is especially important as your grandchild grows and begins to form friendships or become part of a larger group, such as a sports team. When your grandchild is confident in his or her abilities and in the support of others, he or she is more likely to succeed in school and be happy and secure. You can help your grandchild form and maintain healthy relationships by being inclusive and supportive in your engagement, and by setting clear and consistent boundaries.

Help your grandchild develop language skills

Grandparents have a unique role in helping their grandchildren learn language skills. For example, you can use books as a natural way to expand vocabulary, promote creativity, and spark curiosity by incorporating different voices and sounds while reading aloud. You can also use rhymes, music, and finger plays to help your grandchild develop vocabulary. Your grandchild may ask you to sing songs that were popular during your childhood or that you made up as a child. You can use these opportunities to introduce new vocabulary words. Additionally, you can help your grandchild expand his or her attention span by engaging in activities that require concentration, such as puzzles, games, and crafts. The more actively involved you are with your grandchild, the more language skills he or she will acquire.

Help your grandchild develop social skills

Social development is a key aspect of child development, especially in the preschool years. One of the best ways that grandparents can help their grandchildren develop social skills is by engaging with them and modeling positive social behaviors. When you are actively engaged with your grandchild, he or she is receiving social input. You can also help your grandchild learn social skills by being a good role model. You can encourage your grandchild to participate in group play and activities, such as sports or musical instruments, or by joining a club or group. You can also encourage your grandchild to be inclusive as she plays with friends. Encourage your grandchild to pause every now and then and ask, “What do you want to do?” By helping your grandchild develop social skills, he or she is more likely to be happy and successful in school.

Help your grandchild develop empathy and caring

As you engage with your grandchild, you can help him or her develop empathy and caring by sharing your own stories and experiences, whether your roots are in your country of origin or a different part of the world. If your grandchild is too young for in-depth conversations, try to incorporate your stories and traditions into everyday activities, such as reading books, cooking, or taking walks. You can also help your grandchild develop these skills by reflecting on situations that your grandchild has been in, or that you have witnessed, and by helping your grandchild explore the feelings he or she might have been experiencing. You may also want to explore volunteering or participating in service activities with your grandchild. Volunteering can help your grandchild explore his or her values and learn to care for others.

Help your grandchild feel loved and valued

As your grandchild grows, he or she begins to discover and explore the world beyond the home, such as through friendships and participating in activities. During these times, your grandchild may begin to feel self-conscious about his or her abilities, self-esteem, and feelings of self-worth. You can help ease your grandchild’s feelings of self-doubt by giving him or her positive feedback and affirming his or her feelings. You can also take time to listen to your grandchild and explore his or her feelings. You can also help your grandchild feel loved and valued by spending quality time with him or her, whether it be through reading, playing games, or engaging in other activities.

Encourage a love of learning

Children who enjoy learning are more likely to be successful in school because they are more engaged in the process. You can help your grandchild develop a lifelong love of learning by being actively engaged with him or her. You can do this by involving your grandchild in everyday activities, such as baking or gardening, or by reading to your grandchild. You can also use technology to help your grandchild explore his or her interests in a virtual way. By actively engaging with your grandchild, you can help him or her develop a love of learning. Your grandchild is more likely to be successful in school and continue to grow and develop as a person.

Conclusion

As grandparents, we want to help our grandchildren develop the skills they need to be happy and successful in life, especially as they prepare to enter adulthood. The more actively engaged you are with your grandchild, the more you can impact his or her development. Start now so that your grandchild has a positive role model in his or her life.