They teach values and ethnic heritage, and pass on family traditions. Some grandparents have an even greater influence upon their grandchildren because they care for them often, sometimes as surrogate parents. In some cases, grandparents actually have legal custody of their grandchildren. Research suggests that children find unique acceptance in their relationships with grandparents. Grandchildren benefit emotionally and mentally from having a close relationship with a grandparent.
Grandparents are often a major support during family disruptions.
When my father died, Grandpa Belnap took an active role in my life. He was a retired junior high school math teacher with twinkling blue eyes. Grandpa took care of me while Mom, a single parent, worked hard to build a home-based business. He let me push the button to start his old Oldsmobile coupe, often at some risk to the starter motor. As a teenager he encouraged me in positive ways even though at the time I was pretty full of hearing the voices of older adults.