A NEW TERM....GRAND-BOOMERS

By definition the Baby Boomers were born between 1946 and 1964.  That places them as grandparents right into the demographic according to the AARP 2002 Grandparents Study.  Since the average age for a new grandparent is 48 we have just added a lot of folks to our group.  We presently comprise 1/3rd of the adult population in the United States.  That is an enormous amount of wisdom held by a group of folks that love to share it with their grand kids.  The Grand-Boomers generation of grandparents is a little younger, a little more physically active with the grandchildren, a little more educated (50% have attended or graduated from college) and a little more affluent according to this study.  However this generation is also more vulnerable to grandparents custody and grandparents visitation issues based on the present 50% divorce rate.  No one thinks it will happen to them but it is prudent for each of us to become well versed in a grandparents rights in the state where the grand kids reside.

Enough of the worry, just be aware of the possibility and do what you can now just in case. 

Now to the good stuff.  Grand-Boomers tend to travel more and that means more frequent visits with the grandchildren.  The present trend shows that  all grandparents are increasing their use of computers which allows them to interact with the grandchildren on a medium that is more natural to the kids.  Many of the Grand-Boomers are still in the workforce so computers are more readily available and familiar to them.  However, I get a lot of response from more mature folks (Grandparents) on all forms of Social Media.  I think the veil has been lifted for our generation and computer used is becoming much more prevalent amongst our age group each and every year.

I happen to believe that as grandparents we can bring something to a child's development and education that considerably enhances what the parents teach their children.  Yeah, I realize that we may spoil them just a wee bit, but any Caring Grandparent knows to use their considerable influence to reinforce the knowledge and values that the parents are teaching.  The word that comes to mind is TRUST.  As a Youth Minister I always told the parents that it was valuable for their kids to have a significant adult, other than their parents, in their lives.  In many cases this becomes a grandparent.  What an honor and a responsibility for each of us to carry out.  Just keep in mind that "What you do speaks so loud they can't hear what you are saying".  Leading by example is not just the right way, it is the only way.

I savor each of my 6 grandchildren.  Each is so very different and my interaction with each is so very different but my stewardship of a trusting relationship is foremost in my mind whenever I pick up the phone or spend time with any and/or all of them.  It is indeed a higher calling to be a good and Caring Grandparent and the rewards are instantaneous and at the same time timeless.  A Caring life is so abundant and fun.  Be Happy and Healthy.   NEIL