10 ways lolo and lola can help their grandchildren when stressed

For many families, especially here in the Philippines, grandparents serve as second parents to their grandkids. They are there to help nurture and discipline these kids, as well as give guidance to them and their parents.

Grandparents can also help little ones get by during times of stress. While it may not seem apparent, kids do get stressed out due to negative things that may happen to them each day, and they also need to find ways to cope.

Here are 10 ways lolo and lola can help their grandkids when stressed.

1. Be encouraging and supportive

When you show your grandchildren that you support and encourage them in the things that they do, this can help uplift their self-esteem. Being self-assured and knowing that they have family who support them reduces anxiety and, as a result, means that these kids are a lot less stressed.

2. Recognize their positive behavior

Kids need assurance that what they do is right and recognizing their positive behavior is beneficial to them. In doing so, you also help to reinforce their positive qualities.

You can do this verbally, or through meaningful gestures like writing little notes to your grandkids that talk about the specific behavior that you would like to commend him or her for.

3. Use positive discipline

There are times when a grandparent will have to deal with the negative behavior of a child. This could be behavior that is witnessed firsthand or shared by the child’s parent.

When this happens, it would help to approach the situation with positive discipline strategies. This way, the child’s behavior can be addressed without adding any more stress to the situation.

4. Listen to what your grandchildren say

Grandparents are great listeners, and also give great advice. Because of this, younger generations like to confide in their elders. When your grandkids approach you, hear them out without passing judgement, and strive to see the positive side to their story. They will appreciate having someone to openly share their thoughts and feelings with.

5. Give them good advice

When your grandchildren open up to you, it puts you in a good position to give them sound advice. Tap into your years of experience and impart words of wisdom to your grandkids.

If you see that they are starting to feel pressured or stressed out over their day-to-day activities, talk to them about how you deal with stress. This way they can take a cue from you on how to deal.

6. Cherish them and make them feel loved

One of the most important roles played by a grandparent is that of nurturer. A simple "I love you” and a hug can do a lot to make a child feel loved and cherished. Kids often know that the love of their grandparents is unconditional, making them find greater value and security in the affection that they get from their elders.

7. Be their playmate

Kids love playing with their grandparents. You can help your grandchildren overcome stress by setting aside time for play with them. Learn the games that they like, and they are sure to appreciate the effort. Teaching them the games you used to play as a youngster makes for an interesting and fun time, too.

8. Ask them for help

Another way you can help boost the confidence of your grandkids, and help relieve stress, is to ask them to help you out whenever possible.

You could ask for their assistance in completing a task, or helping you clean up after a meal or play time. Remember to be extra patient, because it may take the kids some time to complete the task that you set out for them.

9. Make them feel at home with you

When your grandchildren feel that they have a safe and stable home with you, it helps them remain positive and healthy. This is especially true for kids who have two working parents.

Lolo and lola can become a source of constant support, nourishment, and care throughout the day. These children are sure to feel more secure, and have less cause for stress or worry, being left with a family member while the parents are at the office.

10. Fill their time with you with fun and laughter

One of the best ways to help your grandchildren overcome stress is to make sure that the time they spend with you is filled with fun and laughter. This doesn’t only benefit the children, but is sure to make your day better, too.

10 ways lolo and lola can help their grandchildren when stressed

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Patricia de Castro-Cuyugan

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Written by

Patricia de Castro-Cuyugan

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