The grandparent effect

The
grandparent effect

Family
& Lifestyle

Exploring
the practical and emotional influence on your life.

The scent of
Nana’s perfume, the sound of Grandpa’s laugh…These small sensory memories
often leave the deepest impressions on children. Impressions that will last a
lifetime. Without question, grandparents hold a cherished place in our lives.
While experiences vary, the grandparent-grandchild bond is commonly viewed as
one of the most emotionally important relationships, second only to the
parent-child relationship.

As we live
longer and more actively, becoming a grandparent is more than a milestone; it’s
a significant opportunity to fully embrace the role and all it has to offer.
Recent research shows the many advantages of grandparenting, from improved
cognitive function to increased physical abilities. But, beyond the science is
a renewed sense of purpose, a second chance at nurturing tiny humans with the
element of additional life experience.

Of course,
stepping into this role will require patience and adjustment as you grow
alongside your children and grandchildren. Let’s explore what it truly means to
be a grandparent – emotionally and practically.

The
emotional side

There is a
powerful identity shift that happens when moving from the role of parent to
grandparent. Most agree that grandparenting is a remarkably different
experience; one with more freedom and less pressure. Others may describe it as
more fun and less responsibility. It’s a chance to be present so you can focus
on creating a loving bond with your grandchild without the stress of
discipline.

As a
grandparent, you’re no longer the primary caregiver; instead, you become a
guiding and supportive figure for your family. This role allows you to build a
bond with your grandchildren while nurturing a new dimension of your
relationship with your adult children.

While
there’s a sense of joy and pride watching your children take on parenthood, it
can also stir up other emotions. You might find yourself mourning the loss of
the traditional caregiving role you’ve held all these years. But it’s important
to acknowledge and understand this dynamic shift so you can help support your
adult children in their path to parenting. Keep the lines of communication open
and ask how you can best support them. Also, don’t be afraid to tell them how
you’ve envisioned your role as a grandparent, so you can work through
expectations together.

A grandchild
can provide you with emotional fulfillment and a renewed sense of connection,
especially at a time in life when adults may experience loneliness. This
relationship is mutually beneficial. Not only do grandchildren benefit from
having another caring adult in their corner as they grow up, but grandparents
find purpose in actively teaching important life lessons. According to a recent
study by TheSeniorList.com, grandparents aim to instill respect for others
(88%), manners and politeness (85%), independence and self-sufficiency (70%),
work ethic (62%) and cultural or family traditions (61%).

Strengthen
your bond

With
thoughtful intention, you can build a close relationship with your grandkids.

• Host regular video or phone
  calls to stay connected
• Support their interests by
  showing up or checking in
• Bond over a shared a hobby, like
  bowling or puzzles
• Plan regular outings they can
  count on
• Pass down family stories they
  can share across generations

The
practical side

As it turns
out, wisdom and guidance aren’t the only things grandparents are sharing with
their grandkids. The same study found that grandparents spend an average of
$4,000 a year on common expenditures including gifts for special occasions,
clothing and shoes, entertainment (such as toys and movies) and dining out.

You may
decide to make your grandchildren a part of your estate plan or even set aside
a separate savings account for big milestone expenses like their first car or
college tuition. These gestures can be meaningful, but you should consider your
own retirement needs before committing to this kind of contribution. After all,
only 14% of grandparents who provide monetary assistance believe it
significantly impacts their grandchildren’s success. Your love, emotional
support and presence prove more valuable than dollars.

There are
also many meaningful non-monetary ways to support your grandchildren’s
practical needs. If you’re retired or have a flexible schedule, you could offer
to pick them up from school once a week or plan a monthly one-on-one outing.
After all, these activities offer valuable quality time and a chance to share
advice or guidance, which were cited as the most popular non-financial ways to
enrich grandkids’ lives.

Studies show
there are physical benefits to being a grandparent, too. Older adults who spend
time with grandkids tend to be more active, warding off life-shorteners like
heart disease and diabetes. In fact, half of grandparents who participated at
least occasionally in their grandchildren’s lives were more likely to be alive
five years later than those who had no involvement.

No matter if
they call you Nana or Grammy, Pop or Grandpa, know you’re playing an important
role in your grandchildren’s lives – one that will make a lasting impact on
their character and leave a legacy worthy of pride.

Pendle Hill
Advisors is proud to contribute to the Montgomery County News with our weekly
curated financial news and topics. If you have any questions about the markets,
your financial plan, or anything, please feel free to reach out to our office
for a no cost initial consultation.

Kent Pendleton, AAMS®

Financial Advisor, RJFS

Pendle Hill Advisors LLC

14375 Liberty St, Ste 109 | Montgomery,
TX 77356

T 936-297-8267

Kent.Pendleton@raymondjames.com | www.raymondjames.com/pendlehilladvisors

Material
created by Raymond James for use by its advisors. Securities offered
through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment
advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services
Advisors, Inc. Pendle Hill Advisors is not registered broker dealers and is
independent of Raymond James Financial Services.

Sources: Legacy Project, World Humanitarian Movement, Reuters