What role should grandparents play in a child's life??

Question

There are tons of grandparents that are taking on new roles these days. Some of them are raising their grandkids, or their not even involved at all. So what rights should they have? And how 'involved' should they be in the childs life?

Answer 1

Grandparents are part of the family, but there needs to be a balance as it is not your immediate family and you kids and spouse if you have one are first and formost.
. Boundaries should be set if grandparents happen to be overbearing. Nip it in the bud!

This is a challenge for our family, however, its OK to be assertive in a respectable way and say no when it does not feel right for you and your children.

As far as involvement goes, its the parent place to raise their kids and set the example. If Grandparents don't respect this, then you need to deal with it quickly before resentment sets in. I found this out the hard way.

Answer 2

Parents have all the rights in raising their children. Grandparents have privileges which can be revoked at any time -- that is a HUGE difference.

Some parents keep the grandparents actively involved. Great, if that works for their family structure.

Some parents enforce a hands-off policy for anyone else being involved in their child rearing. Great, if that works for their family.

It's always nice for a child to have exposure to a wide variety of adult interaction, and having the support of an extended family is great. But there's no right or wrong in this situation -- each parent makes the individual choices based on what they feel is best.

Answer 3

They should be grandparents not the parents. If there is a bond that shouldn't be broken. They have a very important role as part of the family although in this day an age the family unit seems to be falling by the wayside. If what they offer is love and protection they should be allowed to see and be part of the child's life. Stopping them from seeing their grandchildren is not thinking of the child.

Answer 4

1==How often and for how long do you see your grandchildren 2=Do you see your role as a grandparent, as a substitute mother or father 3=Do you spoil your grandchildren, because they lack something at home 4=Do you think your son or daughter is a good parent 5=Do you resent the responsibility of having to look after your grandchildren

Answer 5

Depends on the situation and the people involved, of course!

My mother is GrannyRuby to her grandkids. My sister is "Nana" to hers, and "Mom" to one of them (she's raising the child of her late daughter...she and her husband adopted the child). So, see? There's not a good, clear answer here, because there are *so* many different situations.

Answer 6

I'm struggling with this right now. It's very difficult when you have a single, controlling mother in law!!!! It's especially complicated when your husband doesn't realize what the heck is happening and excuses her behavior. My therapist agrees with the above comment about setting boundaries... I just haven't figured out how to do it yet. I wish you balance with this and hope I find the same.

Answer 7

well sometimes the kids want you to really help with the babies and that is ok to a point. i have raised mine and i am not getting up with it or changing diapers or bottles nothing like that. i am retired and that is what i will do nothing like that. its their turn they wanted the rights so i say go for it. well some of them leave them with their parents to raise and its sad cause the kid never gets to be witht he parents. you can be there to spoil and try and show love and affection and right and wrong but nothing with spanking or time outs nothing like that. you can have them an hour or two or help like that but not all day