Do EVERYTHING you can to live near your parents! 

I sincerely wish for all new parents to be as lucky as I have been. Although I lost my dad while pregnant with my first, and recently lost my mother, I was extremely blessed to have 3/4 grandparents within a 10min drive from my house for much of my children’s early years. This was a LIFESAVER and part of the reason I was able to have FOUR children. They all helped us immensely! Whether it was being a sounding board, offering tips and support and even child-care when I went back to work, the time my children got with them has been invaluable and I know our parents cherished the precious time they spent with their grandchildren. 

DISCLAIMER- I hear some grandparents are not so giving of their time. If this is you...I am so sorry. I know I have been VERY blessed to have our parents willing and able to help. 

Having their grandparents be such a huge part of their every day life has had so many benefits (for everyone)! One, it has given my children another trusted adult in their life. Someone else to talk to, share with, celebrate with and find comfort in. Another champion in their life, another connection, another person who accepts them as they are.

It also helped my children improve their ability to have conversations with adults. My experience with grandparents is that they like to talk. A lot. My children have learnt the importance of listening and participating in conversations that they would otherwise not be exposed to. The history, the learning and the passing down of knowledge leads to many important memories. My children know how much their grandparents love them and have an innate understanding of the importance of showing respect to them. 

Children who spend lots of time with their grandparents also have been shown to have increased emotional intelligence (EQ). Having children watch and participate in their grandparent’s life over years allows them to watch and see the changes that they go through. Spending more time around different aged adults gives them a greater understanding of all the different stages of life, more empathy and a increased ability to read social cues. 

And, most importantly, having your children spend lots of time with your parents benefits them! Having their grandchildren in their lives gives them purpose, connection, spontaneity, mental exercise and most of all the unmatched love and affection of your children. There is nothing better than that!