How to Support Children When Parents and Family Members Have Different Values

As an educator and grandma of an elementary school grandson, I find that I have different approaches to watching and educating my grandson. I have reached out to other educators on how to reconcile these differences when helping my grandson with his school work and during our afterschool play sessions. Ten tips for success include the following:

Tips for Supporting Success

1. Listen to the needs of my grandson and address those needs in play and guidance.
2. Consider how I once raised my children and the consequences of my actions. How might I want to support my grandson differently?
3. How can I provide the respite that my grandson needs when considering his daily challenges?
4. How can I nurture his interests without spoiling him?
5. What activities should I engage him in to teach him about community service and giving back to his community?
6. How can I model my community service commitment for my grandson to embrace?
7. When should I not say anything to family members when I have different values?
8. How about safety concerns? When should I share my concerns with the parents and family?
9. How can I act and model effective conflict resolution skills for my grandson?
10. When I think about my values, what are the three primary lessons or values I want to share and instill in my grandson’s growth?

Validate Successes

When I reviewed my answers on these tips with others, I was able to validate that I am doing my job as a supportive grandma by ensuring the growth and happiness of my grandson per his needs for love and security.

Cherish these special times with your family and grandchildren!

Joyce

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