Grandparents! When it comes to your teenage grandchildren, you can be the secret weapon to break through barriers in their lives. In this article, I’ll identify strategies to help you communicate with your grandkids as they grow up. Find out why you have a special position and a unique perspective that allows you to connect with your grandchildren on a deeper level.
Grandparents Who Communicate
Today’s teens live in a challenging world. The culture is rapidly changing, it’s hard to make close connections, and many teens face anxiety about the future. In the midst of this chaos, teens desperately want to know that someone is thinking of them and loves them no matter what. They don’t get that kind of acceptance from their peers or on social media, and Mom and Dad are often too busy to stop and notice a teen who is struggling. But grandparents can reach into their grandkids’ lives and communicate their unconditional love at the time they need it most. As your grandkids reach their teen years, their world expands with friends, school, and sports.
A grandparent who communicates can stay relevant and connected even during these years of rapid change. They may not respond right away, but keep reaching out! Take the initiative and communicate your love to your grandchild, your engagement will show them you care.
Grandparents Who Are Peacemakers
Have you noticed that people are divided and on edge lately? There doesn’t seem to be as much common ground and people are quick to choose sides and become defensive, even within families. At first glance, grandparents and teens may not seem to have a lot in common. But grandparents who are peacemakers will find common ground and fresh ways to connect with their grandkids. If your relationship has been marked by frustrations and arguments, then you may need to change your communication style. Ask yourself: Are you bringing up subjects that provoke arguments? Do you listen more than you talk? If you don’t see eye to eye in some areas of life, then perhaps you don’t need to talk to your grandkid about those topics.
Teenagers don’t want to hear someone else telling them what to think. So don’t share your opinion all the time, simply share your perspective. Tell stories from your past that draw your grandkids into a relationship and help them see life in a new way.
Grandparents Who Are Superheroes
In a world where life moves fast and people rarely make deep connections, grandparents can be superheroes to their grandkids. You can be an anchor, offering stability, in a sea of constant change. Your long-term perspective can give teens hope in a world that is often confusing, anxious and depressing. Your acts of kindness to your grandkids can have an amazing way of paying off in the future. You are a wealth of love and wisdom to the next generation, and the best thing you can do to help steer your grandchild toward biblical truth is to listen to what your grandkid is saying.
Ask thoughtful questions to help them tease out what they really think and what ideas are just being processed. As you listen, ask questions, express your love, and share time together, your teen will benefit from having you in their life!
For Moms and Dads …
If your parents aren’t engaging with their grandkids, keep inviting them to do things with your family. Make a point to call, write, text, and continue reaching out! Your teens need their grandparents’ wisdom and friendship, especially in this season. If you’re in a tough place with your teenagers, consider asking your parents to “hang out” with your teen on a regular basis. Your teens will benefit from your parent’s long-term perspective.
Conclusion
Grandparents can play a very special role in the life of teens if they’re intentional about engagement and are willing to shift their communication style to accommodate the ever-changing surroundings and influences on their teen’s life. Your teens want to maintain the relationship that you had with them during the preteen years and parents want you to be involved in their life as well.
The shortest distance between two people is a story. And it’s your stories of how you’ve navigated life with the wisdom you’ve gathered along the way that will become a compass to be used by your grandchildren long after you’re gone. So quit teaching and start sharing. Stop the stream of information and let the rivers of wisdom flow. Share not only the Gospel but your life as well.
