The Child to Grandparent Connection

With many couples delaying having children, more grandparents are older. Dr. Kornhaber explains, "It used to be that you were a grandparent for half your life. Then you were prone to suffer from grandparent anemia. Many of today's grandparents are older and more mature and that often makes them better." But with advanced age come more health problems, which may be difficult for children to understand. Dr. Kornhaber assures that it is important for children to be exposed to their grandparents' health problems. Close relationships with grandparents help children understand the continuity of life, says Dr. Strom. "Our society is becoming age segregated. Spending time with their grandparents helps children understand this segment of our population that someday they will be responsible for."

Dr. Kornhaber concludes, "This bond is second only in emotion to the parent/child bond. Children are one-fourth their grandparents. Grandparents have an important role to play in their lives."

Linda agrees that the grandparent/grandchild connection is meaningful for the whole family, "It cannot be replaced with anything else. It is so unique."