Intentional Grand Parenting

Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers.

─ Proverbs 17:6 ESV

Few greater joys exist than being a grandparent. It’s a chance to have influence and relationship with a new generation—often with less responsibility and more fun. God gives grandchildren to be a blessing to us as our own children become adults. They should be precious and be valued by us (Proverbs 17:6).

Grand parenting is your choice—you can become an ally or be totally disengaged in your children and grandchildren’s lives. As parents, you’ve done your job. You want to support and pray for your children and love your grandchildren. You want to help them, encourage them and give them advice.

Now, I don’t mean to offend, but it’s important to recognize that how your children parent your grandchildren is none of your business. Your children are going to do some things differently than you would. You’re not going to always agree.

There are times that grandparents need to step up and do the right thing for the safety and welfare of their grandchildren. Many grandparents are raising their grandchildren because their own children are unable or unwilling. Grandparents sometimes need to intervene on behalf of a child.

But if the issue is, “I don’t agree with how you’re doing it,” or “I would do it differently,” then, respectfully, it’s none of your business. If we cause a rift between our grandchild and their parents, we need to back off and allow our children to raise our grandchildren.

Today’s One Thing

As a grandparent, here are some things you can do this week:

1. Pray for your children and grandchildren.
2. Support your children in their decisions as parents.
3. Stand with them and encourage them.
4. Only offer advice to your children if it is solicited.

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