Whether you are Pop, Granddad or Papaw, your unique role in your grandkids' life is special. Many grandfathers really do love being involved with their grandchildren. Some even enjoy their grandparenting role more than they did their job as a parent. Often men find that when their own kids were growing up they seemed to be over-involved with work commitments and other interests and did not spend as much time as they would have liked with them.Financial responsibilities and career goals sometimes do not mesh well with demanding family times.
But in their older years, men are often delighted to have a more relaxed, open relationship - even a friendship -with their grandkids. Grandpas care deeply and are openly affectionate with their grandchildren and some have learned more effective ways to relate to them then they even did with their own kids. This is truly a big blessing for the grandkids as they enjoy the simpler, freer and less demanding relationship with their grandfathers. Grandfathers also pass on the values of the family. A strong faith and service to God and others are two values that many older men are stressing to their grandchildren. This passing on of family values to the next generation is vital to the family legacy. And really, no matter what name your grandkids may call you, as their grandfather, you are also another name for love.
