Types of Grandparents

Quote of the Week: The reason grandchildren and grandparents get along so well is that they have a common enemy.  ~Sam Levenson

As I was going through this weeks readings I was able to find that there are different ways that Grandparents relate to their grandchildren.  The book lists that there are five different types of interactions between these two family members.

Formal-This is what an average level of grandparent where they aren't extreme hands on or off, but they are there for their kid and grandchildren.  They babysit every now and then and don't tell their children what to do.  They leave the parenting style to the children to handle.


Fun Seeker-Where the relationship between the grandparent and grandchild is a joyful almost play buddy like manner.

Surrogate Parent-This type of grandparent is one where the grandparent is very hands on and assumes the responsibility of a parent.  They are very hands on with their grandchildren and make alterations to their lifestyle.  It may be stressful for grandparents, but ultimately it will end up gratifying for the grandparent.  From my own observation and guess, I would guess that there would be missing blessings for the parents and children of those that can't form a family.

Reservoir of Family Wisdom-A grandparent who acts as a reservoir or resource of special skills for the grandchild.  We may have a grandparent that may know how to work wood so we would refer all carpentry projects to that grandparent especially if the grandchild had an assignment coming up for school. 

Distant Figure- The grandparent has rare contact with the grandchild.  They are distant from the grandchild or they are non-interactive.  If there is contact it is very brief.  




As I look at these different types of grandparents I see the pros and cons of each one.  I want to be able to become a fun seeker and a reservoir of wisdom with my grandchildren when I become to the age of grandparent-hood.  Though what I want to try to do is still have the proper relationship with the grandchild where there is still an authoritative figure when things need to be serious.  I know with formal I will offer my advice to my children, but I will never (or I should say try to refrain from) saying "you should do this or you should do that with your kids!"  I think not forcing anything would be the best to help my children grow on their own as parents.