The support of grandparents is a fundamental element in the functioning of our society, they are a common figure in the doors of schools and in the parks of all cities, they care for their grandchildren for many hours a day while their parents work. In this way, almost unintentionally and often without even realizing it, they become the main educators of the child’s home.
One in six people between 50 and 70 years old takes care of their grandchildren with some assiduity, half of them do so daily and for more than 12 hours a day. The impossibility of reconciling family life and working hours, added to the lack of economic resources and social assistance for children, leads families to depend on their grandparents as a support network, the most important part of the home for care of young children.
- The effective integration of women into the labour market for their development and.
- Of course.
- To improve the economic life of the family.
- Has generated a number of needs in the family context.
- Both affective and responsible towards the children of the home.
- New family structure.
- Grandparents have gone from being a caregiver to a leading role in the personal and emotional development of their grandchildren.
- Reaching the same level as their parents.
- Or even more.
- Depending on the hours worked and away from home.
Grandparents of the 21st century play a different role in many important respects compared to the grandparents of our ancestors. The figure of grandpa or grandmother as a caregiver and educator has always been present throughout history, but the demands of society and current family needs require us to reconsider the role grandparents play in something even more important.
This possibility of care offers a very advantageous alternative, since many parents cannot afford a kindergarten or a nanny who takes care of their children; it is also common to go to grandparents for lack of time or time. generally retired, they have no time of arrival or departure, being a source of tranquility for parents.
In recent decades, our society has changed dramatically and so has the division of household chores. Parents work away from home, making it difficult to balance work and family life, so, as far as possible, grandparents are a very important alternative to the care of grandchildren.
“Grandparents are magicians, they create wonderful memories in the lives of their grandchildren. “- Anonymous-
Grandparents provide emotional and stable support to their grandchildren. Very important emotional and emotional bonds are established between grandparents and grandchildren, the result of a shared activity and a sense of satisfaction in the relationship.
Grandpa is glad to have someone who encourages him to stay active and helpful, to be heard and to have company. Similarly, the affection and hope with which the grandson speaks to his grandparents strengthens his confidence and self-esteem.
A close relationship is established, in which the two take on the role of confidants, the child perceives the affection and closeness of grandparents generating bonds of trust, so you will ask them for help and advice in times of anxiety. , the experience and valuable source of knowledge that grandparents possess presupposes a school of life for children that includes respect, values, intergenerational play and love for our elders.
It seems that this role of grandparents in the education of their grandchildren, far from diminishing, is on the rise. Your help to parents is invaluable. Not only do they take care of their grandchildren, but they teach and love them with all their hearts, and all of us, as a society, owe them a lot.
“Surely two of life’s most satisfying experiences are being a grandson and a grandfather. -Donald A. Norberg-