Whether they live next door, in the next town or thousands of miles away, grandparents can play an important role in children's education. Grandchildren raised by their grandparents struggle more than children raised by other guardians. Knowing that their grandchildren may struggle in school, grandparents can get involved in the school and can provide support in the academic journey. The following list is a starting point for grandparents on ways to get involved in the school life of their grandchildren.
Strategies Grandparents Can Use
- Ask children about events in their lives and at school. Keep in touch with school activities. Rather than ask how school is going, be specific. Ask children what book they are reading, what their favorite part of the school day is, or what they are studying in a particular subject. If children are studying a certain period in history, share experiences from your own life in that period or discuss what you learned in school about that time. Write notes to your grandchildren, even if you live nearby, passing along a favorite joke or asking a specific question. Ask children's opinions about current events or issues the kids are studying in class.
- Praise children, not for their accomplishments but for their effort. Tell your grandchildren why you are praising them if they put special effort into a project or pursued more information about a topic that interested them. Avoid comparisons between siblings or between your adult children and your grandchildren. Look beyond sports to praise your grandkids in a variety of ways -- how they played fairly, how they followed the rules or listened carefully. Write a special note or invite your grandchildren on a special outing in recognition of their effort.
- Participate in your grandchildren's school. Plan a visit to the school and explore the types of resources available. For example, what types of tutoring are available? What supports do guidance counselors provide? Is there a support group for grandchildren? The school's web site also contains valuable information about staff, school activities and policies. Participating in special school activities is another way to stay involved with the child's school. If you can't attend a special event, come to school with your grandchild. Meet the teacher, and even ask if you can be a guest speaker or read a book to the class. You might want to share a hobby with the class or be a regular volunteer at the school.
- Learn, both by yourself and with your grandchildren. Grandparents can be wonderful role models for children by demonstrating how to be lifelong learners. Read with your grandchild, visit the library together, cook together, take a class on a a topic that interests you. Explain to grandchildren how to learn from mistakes and how to continue learning, even after leaving school.
- Encourage your grandchildren in their future plans and goals. Let your grandkids know you believe in them and the importance of trying. Demonstrate how to be confident and relaxed.
If you as a grandparent are raising your grandchildren, remember that it is important to know the child's school and teachers. Get involved in your grandchildren's homework, make school work a priority and stay in contact with the school.
Author:
- Mary Brintnall-Peterson, Ph.D., Program Specialist in Aging, University of Wisconsin-Extension.
Reference:
- Hayslip, B. and P.L. Kaminski, eds. (2008). Parenting the Custodial Grandchild: Implications for Clinical Practice. New York: Springer Publishing.
