When I think about the role of grandma, I do believe it is essential for me to become a ‘student’ of my grandchildren. It is my job, my ‘role’ to get to know them and what makes them tick.
This matters so much, for several reasons. Consider the following . . .
- I want to know them and what makes them ‘tick’, because I love them. Why wouldn’t I want to know them and what makes them tick? Of all the people in the world, my three grandsons are three of the people I most want to know!
- If I do not know them and what makes them tick, how can I hope to spend time with them in ways which are meaningful? I don’t want to just let them play video games and watch TV when they are at my house. I want to engage with them. To do that, I need to know who they are and what makes them tick.
- I want to pass my faith to them. By knowing them and what makes them tick, I can connect faith to the things they are interested in. For example, my grandsons love science projects, so I know if we work on science projects, I’ll have their attention. I love science projects, because they are very easy to connect back to God and give me wonderful teaching opportunities!
- I want them to know I love them by showing an interest in who they are and what makes them tick. When I do, they are able to see and experience the truth of how I love them!
These are just a few of the reasons why it matters for me to be a ‘student’ of my grandchildren, and for me to to know them and what makes them tick!
Are you a ‘student’ of your grandchildren? Do you know them, really know them? Do you know what makes them ‘tick’? Do you see this as part of the role of grandma? Why, or why not?
