Many people feel like grandchildren help keep their grandparents young. The interactions between the two generations can provide the elderly with a sense of belonging and being needed well into their senior years. However, these intergenerational interactions don’t just benefit the grandparents. There are many benefits to ensuring your children spend time with your parents, even if they live in senior communities in OKC.

A Connection to Heritage

Grandparents grew up in a different time. For some, they may have even grown up in another country. These days, it’s easy for children to lose touch with their heritage. While this isn’t a necessity for their life now or in the future, it can be beneficial to learn where you came from and how your family got to where they are. Many grandparents love telling their grandchildren about what life was like for them growing up. If they have stories from their own parents and grandparents, they can pass these down and give children a more global perspective on life, which can be beneficial when they become adults themselves.

Unconditional Love

Children need love and can never get too much of it. While it’s the parents’ job to make sure their children feel loved and supported, grandparents can add an extra layer of unconditional love. After all, many grandparents enjoy spoiling their grandchildren a bit, giving in more frequently than their parents may. While too much spoiling can be a bad thing, exposing your children to their grandparents, even in senior living communities in Oklahoma City, OK, gives them the love they crave without worrying about what someone else may think of them.

Grandparents Are Teachers

There are a lot of skills children need to get through life. Many of them are taught in school, but real-life experiences can be invaluable. As grandparents spend more time with their grandchildren in senior living, they often pass on their skills as children are often interested in what the adults in their lives are doing. A grandmother may teach her grandchildren how to sew or knit, set the table or even fold a napkin. Grandfathers could enjoy teaching a child how to take care of their car, mow the grass or make small repairs. These skills can translate into a better life for children later.

Make Children Feel Better

While many children automatically turn to a parent when they’re hurt or sad, grandparents can be a valuable source of comfort for children as well. This is especially true for children whose parents both work and are cared for by a grandparent when they are sick or during time off from school. Children learn there are other people they can rely on in life other than their parents. In addition, studies have shown children tend to eat better for their grandparents, helping them live a healthier lifestyle.

If you’re looking for senior living communities in Oklahoma City, OK, for your aging loved one that gives them easy access to their grandchildren, contact us. We encourage family interactions for a healthier lifestyle for our residents and their families.