Grandma and grandpa - simply irreplaceable

Children need people with whom they feel safe and understood - not just in early childhood, but throughout their lives. Grandparents offer a special space for this: a place of peace, listening and togetherness.

An afternoon at grandma's, a walk with grandpa or playing together without time pressure - all of this creates moments of deceleration in which children can simply be themselves. Such encounters often act like little islands in the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Even if the family structure changes - for example due to a move, new phases of life or a separation - grandparents remain a stable connection across generations for many children. They provide orientation when many things are in flux and strengthen the sense of family belonging.

Grandparents are often the living link between the past and the present. They talk about their youth, about everyday life without a smartphone, about their first bicycle or about how family life used to be organized - and thus make the past tangible.

These stories not only help children to better understand their own family, but also to discover their roots. What rituals do we have? Why do we attach importance to certain festivals, meals or manners? Such values are often conveyed through the personal example of grandparents - lovingly and casually, but with a lasting effect.

In families with a history of migration, grandparents are also often the link to the country of origin. They speak their parents' mother tongue, preserve cultural traditions and pass these on to their grandchildren. This creates a bridge between past and present, between origin and home.

Tip for grandparents: Take time to look through old photo albums together and talk about the past - for example, what the way to school looked like, what they had for dinner or what games you played as a child.

Many parents experience their own parents as a great help in everyday life - not only emotionally, but also practically. Grandparents provide transportation to school or sports, look after the children in the afternoons or spontaneously step in when the need arises.

In NRW, around half of all grandparents regularly take on childcare tasks for their grandchildren. For many families, this support is crucial for balancing work, childcare and household organization.

Grandparents are also often the first to step in in special situations - such as illness, financial insecurity or excessive demands. They know the family well, don't need a long introduction and usually act pragmatically and lovingly at the same time.

Tip for parents: Realize that support from grandparents is a gift - and something very special. A sincere thank you, a meal together or simply an open conversation about appreciation show how important the support is to you.

Tip for grandparents: Help in a way that makes you feel good. You don't have to make everything possible. Sometimes it's enough just to be there - that means more to your grandchildren than you might think.

Not all grandparents live in the immediate vicinity or are able to help regularly in everyday life. Nevertheless, the relationship with the grandchildren can still be loving and intensive - even across geographical boundaries.

Whether through regular phone calls, small surprise packages in the post or visits during the vacations: Relationships thrive on reliability and attention. You can find out more about this in the article "Close ties despite distance" here on Familienportal.NRW. You can find the article under the links to read more

Tip for families: Arrange small rituals - for example, a short phone call on a Sunday evening or a card at the beginning of the month. Such gestures give children orientation and joy.

Many families have two active grandparent couples - which is a great treasure, but can also bring challenges. Perhaps one couple is there more often while the other lives further away. Or there are different ideas about parenting, nutrition or screen time.

Such differences sometimes lead to tensions - for the grandparents, but also for the parents who want to mediate. Careful interaction is required here: with openness, clear agreements and mutual respect.

Tip for parents: Communicate transparently with both sides. Explain your decisions and show that all grandparents are important - even if the time allocation is not always the same.

Tip for grandparents: Trust that your contribution will be seen, even if it is not always asked for. And don't take differences personally. Every family lives its everyday life differently.

The relationship with grandchildren is not a one-way street. The time spent together is also valuable for grandparents - emotionally, mentally and often also in terms of health.

Grandchildren bring a breath of fresh air into life, ask questions, inspire and challenge. Many older people feel needed, alive and involved through close contact with the younger generation.

Anyone who does handicrafts with their grandson or granddaughter, bakes, is out and about or simply listens, senses that this connection is something special. It gives meaning, joie de vivre - and the wonderful feeling of making a lasting contribution to the family.

Tip for grandparents: Get involved with new topics, even if they seem strange to you. Children are wonderful teachers - just as you are for them.