Jackson County

Special Gifts for Grandchildren
Nina Chen, Ph.D., Human Development Specialist

If you are a grandparent, you have very special gifts for your grandchildren. You may wonder what kinds of gifts you can give. Research shows that grandchildren can receive some important gifts from their grandparents. The following are some examples:

The gift of EXAMPLE. The experiences grandparents have will provide a model for future grandchildren. Grandparents can be a good example for children to learn how their older generations grew up. Grandchildren learn how or how not to grow old from grandparent's experiences and also need to hear timeless virtues such as respect for others, honesty, and neighborliness.

The gift of CARING. Give some time to be interested in your grandchildren's world. Try to give support when needed. If you are a long distance grandparent, keep in touch with your grandchildren. Your caring and loving will be a source of family support.

The gift of KNOWLEDGE. Grandparents have spent many years accumulating knowledge, such as history, art work, crafts, wood work, cooking, gardening, story telling, fishing, and so on. This gift is very special for grandchildren. Sharing your interests, knowledge, and talents with your grandchildren can bring a lot of joys and fun between two generations.

The gift of HERITAGE. Grandparents can give children a sense of family, security, and belonging. Grandparents are the best source to enrich the lives of the next generations. Grandparents can provide a sense of time and continuity as they share memories about their children's childhood. Children love to hear about the days when Daddy or Mama were little children. No matter how far you live from your grandchildren, it is very important for you to pass on heritage to help them learn the past from you.

The gift of HAPPY MEMORIES. Grandparents can provide happy memories for their grandchildren. It is common to hear children say they like to go to Grandma's or Grandpa's house, because they enjoy being with them. Grandparents' love and support make their grandchildren feel special and important.

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		University of Missouri Extension Jackson County Jacksonblsp@missouri.edu Updated 12/13/06