The Importance Of The Paternal Grandmother For The Family
Many parents rely on grandparents for the education of their children. Working hours, fatigue, a heavy family burden or a period of illness are some of the reasons grandparents come to the aid of their children and grandchildren. However, it is often the maternal grandmother who plays this role. So what happens to the paternal grandmother?
The paternal grandmother is an equally important figure, and in this article we explain why.
The role of the paternal grandmother in the family
For some reason, over time, the role of the paternal grandmother has been relegated to the background in some families. Her function is only to be the mother-in-law and mother of the groom.
This topic has become an object of investigation, because there are those who mention the effect that a paternal grandmother can have on grandchildren compared to a maternal grandmother. However, in general these studies are based on unverified hypotheses.
Beyond this, however, there is no doubt about the feelings that grandparents, both maternal and paternal, have towards their grandchildren. Remember to consider this when it comes to sharing the time grandchildren spend with their paternal grandmother.
A social problem: maternal or paternal grandmother
Normally, the tendency to leave children with the maternal grandmother generates conflicts and jealousies on the part of the paternal grandmother. In some cases, the problem has gone so far as to damage the relationship.
As a mother, you need to be aware that your relationship with your mother-in-law can affect how your children think or feel about their paternal grandmother.
If you don’t have a good relationship with her, children can develop a form of rejection of their father’s mother. And, in childhood, they can even get scared of the company of their paternal grandmother.
What can you do to maintain a good relationship with your paternal grandmother?
The issue must be approached from a reasonable perspective. To do this, keep in mind the following points:
- It is not recommended to force the relationship of children towards a particular grandparent.
- The children’s affection for their paternal grandmother must be allowed to manifest naturally.
- Do not make negative comments about the paternal grandmother in the presence of the children.
- Let the children determine their preferences for grandparents.
- As a mother, strive to maintain a good and sincere relationship with your mother-in-law. This way, the children will copy your example.
- Plan activities that include her, such as a trip to the park or lunch.
- Whenever possible, allow her to collaborate as she wishes. Whether it’s taking care of the children or even giving them financial support. This will make her feel useful and loved.
Importance of the paternal grandmother
When it comes to making a contribution to the upbringing of grandchildren, the paternal grandmother must not be put aside. It can mark their development and the relationship they will establish with other people in the future. Furthermore, it is also about making the relationship with their father closer.
Remember that the love that the grandmother shows or develops towards her grandchildren is as if she were giving it to her own son, now the father of her grandchildren. So as a mother you can contribute a lot to make this rapprochement happen in the best possible way.
Promote a relationship of respect and complicity between your grandchildren and their grandmother. She is not only the mother of your spouse: she is also the grandmother of your children.
The bond that exists between your son and grandmother is not only natural: it must also be cultivated. Grandmothers are not substitutes for mothers, but if they agree, they can spend quality time with your children. The emotional charge that can form between grandparents and grandchildren goes beyond the genes they have in common.
Grandma, for her part, can help build a good relationship when she doesn’t reject the decisions made by her parents, even if she doesn’t agree with how you educate your children.
Finally, it must be considered that each grandfather is unique and irreplaceable. Parents need to make a healthy effort to share time with these figures.
