Grandparents Day 2024 by Steve Bond, BScPhm, YRPh, CDE, FASCP Yurek Pharmacy & Home Healthcare
Clearly, there are advantages of grandparenting to a young family. I will make the important distinction between grandparenting and babysitting. Whenever a grandparent tells me that they are babysitting, I ask, “Do they pay you by the hour and all the popsicles you can eat? No? Then you are grandparenting not babysitting. To the grandparents, there are also health benefits. The Berlin Aging Study (BASE) looked at the mental and physical health of over 500 individuals 70 to 100 years old. It found that seniors who provided some care to grandchildren lived longer and had better health overall. Make no mistake -- looking after kids is hard work. It is physically demanding. My brother recently was blessed with his first granddaughter; she adores her grampa because he gets on the floor with her, has tea and gives piggyback rides. This benefits him as it can be a physical workout so he can skip the gym. According to a 2018 report from the American Academy of Paediatrics, adults can “re-experience or reawaken the joy of their own childhood and rejuvenate themselves,” leading to enhanced mental and psychological well-being.
Abuela and Abuelo, Opa and Oma, Yia Yia and Papou, Babushka and Dedushka, Nana and Papa, or Grandma and Grandpa : no matter what names you use, the benefits of having and being grandparents are clear. A 2009 study showed that children who have a strong relationship with their grandparents had fewer negative mental issues such as anxiety or depression. This was particularly true when looking at single-parent families. In homes with one parent, children did best when they fostered a relationship with grandparents. Grandparents provide a sense of support and love. They often contribute time and financial support to families when there is a need. This can provide a sense of security to grandkids — knowing that Nana always has your back. There is also an inter- generational bond between grandkids and grandparents. Been there; done that. There is no manual to being a parent. Often, it’s trial and error. Grandparents have this lived experience, so they can handle most parenting situations. They also have a wealth of experience and knowledge that is so valuable to fostering relationships with grandkids.
Sunday, September 8th is officially Grandparents’ Day, but it seems insignificant as we should be honouring and celebrating grandparents 365 days a year. Take care of yourselves and each other.
AT KOOLEN ELECTRIC WE CAN DO IT ALL!
PROUDLY CANADIAN LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED
HEAT PUMPS Environmentally Friendlier option for both Heating & Cooling!
SAVE $ 5 on any purchase of $30 or more Valid for sale once per customer. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Taxes Extra. Valid only at Global Pet Foods in St. Thomas. EXPIRES SEPTEMBER 30, 2024
IN POWER. SINCE 1920
GENERATORS Power out? You can rely on a Kohler Generator!
A trusted name in Elgin County for over 50 years! 519-773-8951 or 519-631-0590 www.koolenelectric.ca
for every $20 you spend, before taxes, per purchase.
Hometown St. Thomas • Septembert 2024 • Page 37
Get involved! Like us on Facebook!
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs