Relationships with people from the oldest generation can be beneficial to children. And the seniors also benefit from contact with the children, according to Turpen and Richmond. Children at these young ages are open and not afraid and usually share freely with the seniors. Grandfriends or grandparents can play many roles in the lives of children. Grandparents often have the time to listen to children, who need to be listened to.
Grandparents have wisdom and experience to share, and children are sponges for learning.
Grandparents can build a child's self-esteem and confidence when they go beyond listening and learn from what children have to say. The seniors enjoy contact with the children and Richmond said she uses the visits to help the seniors stretch their memories to their own childhoods. Grandparenting, or just visiting with young children, is a special gift for both sides, according to Richmond and Turpen. It is the gift of attention. It is a gift that allows seniors to see through the eyes of a child once more.