Suicide is the third-leading cause of death among those ages 15 to 24. Since 1950, the national suicide rate has increased 193 percent for that age group. For many of them, problems that seemed insurmountable at the time would be just distant memories today had a caring adult been there to help them through the tough times. I have officially declared Saturday to be Grandparents Day in Arkansas. There's good reason for that.
Grandparents can be the best friends parents and children have.
They can offer wise advice that comes from years of experience. They can be cheerful authority figures both parents and children listen to. They can be role models and friends, and the time they spend with their grandkids can provide wonderful childhood memories and needed breathers for parents. Sometimes, they even serve as primary caregivers when parents can't, or won't raise their children properly. My grandparents understood the positive impact they could have on my life.