Encourage time together.
Time spent together will help grandparents and grandchildren
to bond naturally. This will look different for each family but
some ideas could include cooking together, running errands,
attending the child’s sporting events or school activities,
going to the park, playing board games, going to a movie,
sitting and talking, or going out to dinner. Some grandparents
find that having a set time assures they have time with their
grandchildren. For example, every Saturday morning you go
to breakfast or every Tuesday they babysit while the parents
have a date night. If you do not live in the same city, try using
a phone or video call at a set time each week. The nice thing
about weekly calls is that it allows for following up on the
things the next week. Giving your child talking points can
help the conversation flow better. If you know your parent is
struggling with things to talk about with your child, send them
a quick text reminding them to ask about the big math test or
how the playdate went. These are some good examples of ways
parents can facilitate the bond between their grandparents
from a long distance.
Let the parents handle discipline.
A common source of conflict between parents and
grandparents can be discipline of children. Grandparents may
have different disciplinary styles or feel different behaviors
deserve reprimanding. Let grandparents know that, in most
situations, you will be responsible for any discipline needed.
This allows grandparents to enjoy the fun aspects of time with
the kids. When bringing up the subject, be kind and patient
and explain that you don’t want anything to come between the
kids and their grandparents and the special relationship they
have. If discipline must be handled by the grandparent, they
should try to stay as close to the parents disciplinary style as
possible or delay punishment for when the parents return.