You are correct in thinking that grandparent-grandchild relationships, even for those in households headed by a grandparent, tend to change over time. Even though you may be spending less time with your grandchildren because of their involvement in other activities, your relationship with them is still important and influential.
If you are a traditional grandparent, your relationship with your young-adult grandchildren is probably based more on friendship now than obligation. If you are a parenting grandparent, your relationship may have developed into one of mutual trust. You are probably somebody they feel they can confide in now.
Some of the things you might be looking to receive in your relationship with your older grandchild are the very things they are probably wanting to give you:
• Companionship – they want to spend time with you.
• Admiration – they admire and look up to you for your lifelong accomplishments and wisdom.
• Reliability – they want to know that they can always count on you to be there for them.
• Satisfying relationship – they simply want to have a good relationship with you.
