The Power of Grandparents: why their presence matters in a child’s life.
By: Marissa Pollet
Grandparents hold a unique place in a child’s world, somewhere between security and adventure, wisdom and playfulness. While parents' guide the day-to-day, grandparents often bring something deeper, calmer, and uniquely different. Understanding their role not only enriches your child’s life but also strengthens family bonds.
What Grandparents Bring That Parents Often Can’t
Grandparents offer experiences shaped by time, patience, and perspective. Their contributions tend to feel steadier and gentler, by complementing not competing with the parenting role.
Key strengths grandparents bring:
• Unhurried emotional presence: They often have more time and patience, creating a calm environment children naturally gravitate toward.
• Family history and identity: Stories, traditions, and memories help children understand where they come from and the long history of love.
• Soft structure and comfort: Grandparents can be both nurturing and predictable, offering stability that feels different from parental discipline and routine.
• A sense of belonging: Extended family relationships widen a child’s support system, letting them feel cared for by more than just parents, which is safe and comforting.
How to Let Grandparents Be Involved—Without Feeling Overpowered
The key is boundaries paired with appreciation. You are the parent, but their involvement can still be meaningful and supportive.
Ways to keep the relationship healthy:
• Communicate expectations early: Share your parenting style, non-negotiables, and routines so everyone is on the same page, and it will lessen any future disagreements.
• Give them defined roles: Whether it’s weekly dinners, school pickups, or special traditions, clarity helps avoid conflict.
• Choose your battles: Not every difference in approach is harmful, sometimes the grandparent version of “spoiling” is simply connection and a sense of devotion.
• Affirm their value: A simple “We appreciate you” makes grandparents more likely to respect boundaries and know they are valued.
• Maintain parent authority gently: If something crosses a line, address it calmly and directly; consistency builds trust and open communication is always best versus sweeping it under the rug.
A Balanced Family Makes a Stronger Child
Children thrive when the adults in their world work as a cohesive team. Allowing grandparents to play an active, loving role doesn’t diminish your authority; it expands your child’s circle of support and unconditional love. When parents lead, and grandparents enrich, kids receive the best of both worlds: structure and security, wisdom and warmth. A grandparent’s influence is one of the quiet joys of childhood, and one of the greatest long-term gifts you can give. You may not always see the impact, but your child's world will be brighter and more well-rounded with their grandparents by their side.
Our team of caring professionals at Inspired Wellness are here to provide support and guidance towards your path of mental wellness. We believe that every individual has the ability to be the best version of themselves and our goal is to set you up with the tools to maintain a well- balanced life that will place you on the path towards lifelong change. We strive to create a non-judgmental environment coupled with therapeutic practices that are tailored towards each individual. At Inspired Wellness our team aims to do exactly as our name says, inspire you towards a beautiful life of strength and wellness!