All grandparents can play a critical role in their grandchildren’s education.
We need caring adults who are involved—at the school and elsewhere—to help kids recognize that a good education is often a major factor in propelling them to long-term success in life. They probably get some of that from their parents, and it can be even more convincing when they see it in others, like you.
If the adults in their lives aren’t interested in our grandchildren’s schoolwork, chances are they won’t be either. And that could have far-reaching, lifelong implications.
Our involvement might be especially true for grandfathers. Research shows that when significant men are involved, children learn more, perform better in school, and exhibit healthier behavior. Young boys especially need encouragement from then men in their lives when it comes to education. Most commonly, it’s moms checking homework and women teaching at the elementary school level. The sad result is that many young boys get the mistaken message that education is a female thing. They may get turned off and search for a more “masculine” pursuit, and in worst-case scenarios that could lead them to getting caught up in gangs, anger, violence and the like. But make no mistake …
Education is an important issue for all grandparents.
Let’s make it clear to our grandkids—without a doubt—that school, education, and achievement are very important, and then become involved ourselves by showing interest where we can, being aware of their ongoing challenges and progress, possibly even some of their assignments, and providing lots of praise and encouragement along the way.
How can you be involved specifically? Here are a few of the many ways, just to get you started:
GRANDPARENT HOMEWORK
- Find a short story, article, poem or essay that your grandchild would find interesting or funny and read it to him or her.
- Have your grandchild read to you or take turns reading a story, making sure to use a variety of voices for the characters.
- With an older child, read a news article or editorial and discuss it.
- Put an “I love you because …” or “I appreciate you because …” note in your grandchild’s lunch box or book bag.
- Volunteer to drive your grandchild (and maybe his/her friends) to an event, rehearsal, practice, etc. You’ll learn a lot just by watching and listening.
- Arrange to visit your grandchild’s school at least once sometime in the next month. Maybe ask about volunteer opportunities there.
- Send an encouraging note or e-mail to your grandchild’s teacher(s).
- Develop some key grandparenting skills—asking good questions and listening well—and apply them to your grandchild’s school life.
- Keep sharing your stories and wisdom! Your grandchild’s education includes a lot more than what happens at school.
- Learn the names and something about your grandchild’s 3 best friends.
Please keep in mind that if you’re planning to start a new kind of involvement in your grandkids’ lives—or if you’re increasing your level of involvement in their education—it’s always wise to talk that through with their parents. Make sure your contributions are adding to and benefiting the family and not disrupting routines they already have in place.
Most of all, have fun! This is one more area of life where we get to enjoy and invest in our grandkids.
In what ways are you involved in your grandkids’ education? Share your experiences and some tips on our Facebook page here.
