By playing an active role in their grandchildren's lives, grandparents can provide stability in the form of continued family traditions and unconditional love, both essential for early childhood development. Grandparents also can be kindred spirits for their grandchildren, sharing the same wonderment at the world. She also spent time with her grandmother. McQuade-Lancaster said it's easier for children to talk to grandparents than to confide in their parents, because children respect what the grandparent has experienced. Barker stayed with her grandmother off and on, because she had more friends in her grandmother's neighborhood and the house was closer to her school.
Many families use the holidays as an excuse to visit with relatives.
That's a good start, but it's not enough. If your children haven't spent much time with their grandparents lately, use the holidays to get the family back on track. McQuade-Lancaster suggests planning some special activities to keep everyone happy. And have your children return the favor and teach their grandparents how to send e-mail. Grandma can write, and your budding Rembrandt can illustrate.