Grandparents are called grand parents for a reason. They are well, like parents, but in a grander kind of way. There is simply and effortless grandeur about them.

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Grandparets are very important in the growth and development of our children.

My daughter is very, very lucky that she has both sets of maternal and paternal grandparents and maternal great grandma (see article on Lola Tikang by clicking this link) that she gets to frequently interact, play and sing with.

Until the age 2, my grandparents were the ones who took care of me and looked after me most of the time, along with my Tita Yolly. In fact my earliest recollection (I was two years old, I was jumping and sliding on the bed frame that was still being built) was with my lolo (grandpa).

Similar with my husband. He spent his first two years with his grandparents. My mother-in-law shared that once he was sent to live with them overseas, he often waited for planes flying by thinking that maybe his grandma was onboard and was there to pick him up.

How about you, what’s your earliest recollection? Care to share a fond childhood memory with your grandparents?

The Grandparent Grandeur And Their Influence To Child Development

Grandparents Have A Magical Touch

You know how sometimes your baby cries endlessly and you are done doing everything you think will help soothe the baby but no, nothing’s stopping their screams and wails. And suddenly, grandparent comes along, holds the baby in his/her arms and baby starts to go back to sleep soundly as if nothing happened. Ever happened to you?

This happened several times (and still happening, by the way). My daughter would cry like there’s no tomorrow, and no matter what I offer or do, she still cries so loud. Then, my father comes to the rescue, carries my daughter and starts to sing the classics and baby goes back to sleep in a matter of a few seconds!

Right now, as I type, I hear them duet,

“Edelweiss, Edelweiss

Every morning you greet me

Small and white, Clean and bright

You look happy to meet me.

Blossom of snow may you bloom and grow

Bloom and grow forever

Edelweiss, Edelweiss

Bless my homeland forever”

Grandparents Are The Best Teachers

Children are living, breathing photocopiers. It’s true. They are vicarious learners. They readily learn from observations on basically whatever they see around them. Another benefit of being raised among adults of character is that the child develops character earlier in life. Who they better observe than their own grandparents. Yes, parents, too, but that only accounts for 2 individuals. Grandparents add more meaning and more for grandchildren to emulate. Though, I know this is not true 100% of the time, I know that in many cases, grandparents provide great examples and an awesome learning environment.

In the case of my daughter, she learned and continues to learn, among other things:

• Respect, resourcefulness, being observant from my parents.

• Cheerfulness, lively chatter and wit from my in-laws.

There are many others and in many occasions, the behavior is observed from both sides, which makes for a great reinforcement.

Grandparents Are Patience Personified

They say patience is a virtue. But if you have a toddler, you will think twice about this because in many instances, you will lose it. Trust me when I say that you will. Which is a wonder how grandparents keep their cool and happy, positive disposition despite toddler’s funny and sometimes irritating antics.

So, whenever possible, as often as you can, remember to bring your kids around their grandparents. They rub off the grandeur and learn in the process. Plus, I am certain that their grandchildren’s presence fill their hearts to the brim. 🙂

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