Grandparents and Grandchildren: A Priceless Bond
As always, on 14th September, Grandparents’ Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm and festivity as “Aadar Sammaan Diwas.” Various schools organized programs where grandparents were specially invited. The objective of such programs is to highlight the invaluable role of grandparents in shaping children’s lives and to instill moral, human, and spiritual values in them. This is truly a commendable initiative!
However, celebrating only one day in a year is a Western tradition. For us, every day should be Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Grandparents’ Day, or Elders’ Day. Respecting elders is part of our culture and tradition. On the land of Ram and Shravan, we proudly say that touching the feet of elders and seeking their blessings is embedded in our values. Unfortunately, we have been drawn towards the “Hello/Hi” culture.
Due to Western influence, we have also started neglecting our elders. Often, we see children leaving their elderly parents or grandparents alone in the final stage of their lives. This is extremely painful! This negative trend needs to be corrected at the earliest so that our glorious culture can be revived. The education sector, social organizations, and media must come forward to make the younger generation aware of moral, human, and spiritual values and teach them to respect the elderly. At the same time, elders should also make themselves worthy of the respect they expect through their own conduct and behavior.
Those who get to spend their lives with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren are truly fortunate, because nowadays, due to chemical-laden food, very few people are able to live such long lives. Many are deprived of this happiness as they pass away by the age of 60.
* The Relationship between Grandparents and Grandchildren!
In Punjabi culture, there is a saying: “Interest is dearer than the principal.” Similarly, grandparents love their grandchildren even more than their own children. Today’s grandparents are more active and wise compared to previous generations. They can contribute meaningfully to family and society.
Nowadays, since both parents are working, they cannot give enough time to their children. In such cases, grandparents can fill this gap. They have both patience and time, making them excellent guides for children. The emotional bond between grandparents and grandchildren is so warm and affectionate that it can be felt but is hard to express in words.
(a) Benefits for Grandchildren:
Grandchildren listen to their grandparents more because their interaction is friendly and sweet.
Grandparents can instill good values, discipline, and character in children.
They should spend quality time with the children, giving them love, care, and gifts without expectations.
Children can learn about family traditions, customs, and roots from their grandparents.
Many times, children hesitate to share problems with their parents, but they can talk openly with their grandparents and find solutions.
(b) Benefits for Grandparents:
Researchers in the U.S. have found that emotional bonding with grandchildren reduces loneliness and depression in the elderly.
Grandparents can learn modern things like computers, the internet, Facebook, and smartphones from their grandchildren.
Children can make their parents realize that if they mistreat their elders, they too might face the same treatment in their old age.
Most importantly, grandparents should enjoy the moments they spend with their grandchildren without worrying about the future.
(c) Precautions:
Encouraging children with a pat on the back is good, but excessive pampering can spoil them.
Grandparents should support parents’ decisions in front of children so that the importance of parents’ authority remains intact.
They should not keep high expectations from their grandchildren to avoid future disappointment.
Conclusion:-
The bond between grandparents and grandchildren is so intimate and trustworthy that it creates different but meaningful situations for both. Ideally, every home should celebrate every day as Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Grandparents’ Day, and Elders’ Day, with all family members living together in harmony and happiness. For those who experience this, it feels as if grandparents relive their childhood, because children and the elderly are alike in many ways.
Blessed are those who live these precious moments. I hope that whoever reads this article will live such moments too and lead a happy life with their family and grandchildren. May God bless every home with children who truly understand the feelings of their grandparents.
Spend joyful moments with your grandchildren! 🌸
0 टिप्पणियाँ