Grandparents, precious allies in everyday family life

Their beneficial contribution to the lives of children is no longer in doubt; grandparents occupy an important and positive place within the family , and this for several reasons. Indeed, according to several studies mentioned among others in a report produced by the Vanier Institute of the Family, " The involvement of grandparents in family life has a marked influence on the well-being of children, and could in particular encourage their engagement in school and the adoption of positive social behaviour. » The presence of grandparents would not only have a positive effect on the mental health of children, but also on that of all members of the family.

Of course, grandparents also provide a practical helping hand to parents who are often overwhelmed by the parental and professional tasks that fall to them. Whether it's babysitting, preparing tasty meals or picking up the little ones from school or daycare, many parents couldn't do without them in managing their daily lives! Moreover, according to psychologist Suzanne Vallières, co-author of the book Le Psy-guide des grands-parents, “Parents deprived of this resource sometimes have difficulty doing everything.”

Tips for a successful parent/grandparent relationship

Most psychologists agree that the key to a successful relationship between parents and grandparents (and in any type of relationship for that matter) is communication! Thus, according to psychoeducator Mélanie Bilodeau, " It is important for parents to talk about their vision of parenting and for grandparents to listen to them, to support them, without judging them.

Furthermore, while it is important to respect each other, it is also important to be flexible . The way children are raised has changed a lot since the days when grandparents were parents themselves, and some may be more permissive than you or, on the contrary, establish rules that you do not apply at home. This will help your child understand that what applies at grandpa and grandma's house does not necessarily apply at home, and vice versa!

What type of grandparent do you have?

In her master's thesis devoted precisely to the growing involvement of grandparents, sociology professor Andrée-Anne Boucher distinguished three styles of grandparents . Which ones are most similar to those who are present in your children's lives? And which one do you think you will become when it is your turn to play this precious role?

• Interim parental role. These grandparents make sure to respect the rules and routine established by the parents. Thus, "if the grandson always goes to bed at 8 p.m., they will make sure that if they keep him, he will go to bed at 8 p.m.," according to the sociology professor.
• Cake Grandparents. These grandparents love to spoil their grandchildren and allow them special things, whether it's sweets or late bedtimes, for example.
• Parental role towards their child. These grandparents continue to play an important parental role towards their children, giving them advice on the education of their grandchildren, among other things.

Finally, no matter what type of grandparents you have, it is certain that your life would be very different if it were not for their presence in your life and that of your children . And, because they are precious, we invite you to take the time to celebrate them with this selection of books about them, offered by Les Libraires!

Celebrating Grandparents

Finally, to learn more about the report “Grandparents’ Health and Family Well-Being ” produced by the Vanier Institute of the Family, click here !

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