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Two Reminders for Grandparents
by Dr. Gary Chapman
This week our theme has been grandparenting and marriage. Today, I want to leave you with two reminders:
1. They are not your children.
2. They are your grandchildren.
The first truth seems obvious and yet forgetting it can cause serious problems. Because you are not their parents, you should never overstep the authority of their parents unless of course, they are abusing the children.
This means, for example, you should consult the parents before you make the grandchild a loan. Your failure to respect parental authority can create extreme conflict between you and your adult child.
The second truth is also quite obvious. They are your grandchildren and you have an important role to play. Grandchildren are constantly growing and changing. Be sensitive and alert to their needs. You may want to read a book on understanding children or teenagers.
Being informed about what is going on inside your grandchild will help you relate in a more meaningful way. Discussing your ideas with your spouse will keep the two of you on the same page and help you work together as a team.
Grandparenting is another stage in a growing marriage.
Article written by Dr. Gary Chapman. Based on the book, How to Really Love Your Adult Child by Dr. Gary Chapman and Dr. Ross Campbell. Published by Moody Publishing. For a complete listing of Dr. Chapman's books and resources, click here.
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