What children learn from their grandfathers - KATV - Breaking News, Weather and Razorback Sports

By Dianne Griffith
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He may be Grandpop, Grandpa, Pop-Pop - or some other variation of "grandfather." Do you have fond childhood memories of your moments with him - or was he a remote figure who blended into the background while your grandmother took center stage?

Today, as baby boomers become grandparents, the role of grandfathers seems to be shifting. Today's grandfathers are more active in their grandchildren's lives. They have become part of the network that builds a healthy child.

Grandfathering is yet another layer of fatherhood, usually one step removed from having to discipline. This may let children feel more relaxed and more open. Research has found that children who have rich, close relationships with their grandfathers are more likely to do well in school, have better self-esteem and develop and maintain friendships.

Grandfathers can have unique roles in children's lives. They can share stories from the past, and help kids to learn about the value of good friends, family relationships and strong work ethics. The role of men has changed immensely during the past few decades. Today's grandfather can offer a unique glimpse into those changes, offering many years of life experience and wisdom different from a grandmother's. As the child grows, these experiences offer powerful lessons.

Here are some tips on developing close relationships with your grandchildren:

• Be a good role model. If you cook, wash dishes or do the vacuuming, you send a powerful message to your grandchildren. Or by showing a sense of humor, integrity and generosity, you can help them develop the same qualities.
• Watch baseball or football games with your grandchildren. Go to your grandchildren's games.
• Share your interests. If you collect baseball cards or tinker with cars, tell grand kids what you love about your hobby and show them how it's done. If you can, let them help you.
• Break out the photo albums. Let them see what you - and their parent - looked like in the "old days" and share the good times you had as a family.
• Play board games with your grandchildren.
• Take them for walks. They'll learn to appreciate the outdoors and the value of exercise while spending time with you. Talk about why you like to exercise. This can help build lifelong habits.
• If you work, take your grandchildren with you for an afternoon.
• Work on a project with your grandchildren, such as building a model airplane or a birdhouse. This can help teach them patience, problem solving and perseverance.

Long-distance grandfathering
If your grandchildren don't live nearby and your visits are limited, there are still plenty of ways to stay in touch:

• Send e-mails and cards to let them know you're thinking about them.
• Talk to them online through a live video program.
• Exchange text messages, photos and videos.
• Call frequently just to ask how they're doing.
• Buy them some crayons, paper, stamps and envelopes (pre-addressed), and encourage them to send you their drawings.

View the original What children learn from their grandfathers article on myOptumHealth.com