How can children benefit from an extended family

When both parents are working to make the ends meet for their children, they do not find enough time to spend with their children. This way the children, especially teens, who are on the verge of developing into adults, feel neglected and ignored. Having an extended family around provides children with comfort and company so they do not feel alone even if their parents are not with them.

Basically, an extended family comprises of multiple generations living together under the same roof. This type of family setup extends beyond a nuclear family which comprises of a father, a mother, and their kids.

Some extended families may also include uncles, aunts, and cousins who share the same household. This type of culture was quite common earlier but now the lifestyles have changed to some extent.

The importance of the extended family: grandparents and other family members play a significant role in the development of the child. The role of the extended family in child development Maintaining positive relationships between children and their extended family members should be encouraged and continued. How important is an extended family to your child? How the extended family can contribute to a child's growth Try to take advantage of your extended family as far as your kids are concerned.

Family impact on early childhood development During early childhood, a parent's attitudes and values can be passed on to the child. The value of the extended family in raising children Having the support of an extended family can help parents through many of the tougher times with child raising. Raising babies: The role of the extended family Your extended family can be a great help once a new baby arrives.

We're back with the edition of the GadgetFreeHour! Related Topics See All. More For You Explore more articles and videos on nurturing families. When grandchildren form a particular attachment to a grandparent, parents can sometimes feel jealous and inadequate, but may not want to admit to such negative emotions. Some grandparents may come across as judgmental and dogmatic, rather than supportive. Some adult children may come across to their own parents as judgmental and dogmatic, rather than supportive!

Step-grandparents and step-grandchildren are very unlikely to love — or even like — one another until they have taken all the time, they need to get to know one another well. No one needs to feel bad about their feelings in this situation. What is very important, however, is to behave appropriately and not to ignore the children. Step-grandparents need to be seen by their children and grandchildren to treat all grandchildren — step or other — fairly, especially over matters such as treats, birthdays and Christmas.

Relationships work best when everybody feels the benefits. Many difficulties can be resolved if parents and grandparents can talk to each other and discuss their plans and expectations, without making assumptions about each other.

However great or small the part played by the grandparents, if it makes sense for them, then it will represent an important contribution to the lives of their children and grandchildren. The children, as well as the adults, will benefit if the adults listen to and respect each other and, at the same time, are open to hearing something different. You will have a link through the baby and share a common concern. If grandparents are denied access, the pain of that loss for the children, as well as for the grandparents, cannot be overestimated.

Primitive emotions, particularly competitiveness and jealousy come to the fore when there is a new baby in the family. Unless you are careful, you — the grandparent — can find yourself getting caught up in a replay of old rivalries within the family. For instance, if your daughter. If parents split up, it may be very hard not to take sides. You are more likely to be able to maintain contact with your grandchildren if you work at being neutral and non-judgmental.

Your role is to support the parents, not to undermine their confidence. You are likely to have more to offer if you take a lively interest in other areas of your own life. Originally written for the Child Psychotherapy Trust they have been reviewed and updated and are now published by the ACP. Skip to main content. Different kinds of families No single type of family dictates which relationships within it are important for children.

Becoming a grandparent Like significant rites of passage at every stage of life — starting school, leaving home, becoming a parent — becoming a grandparent presents an exciting opportunity to grow and change, and to experience a very special relationship. A second chance Perhaps the most important part of being a grandparent is having a second chance.

Being a grandparent today Almost all grandparents are in contact with their grandchildren. What grandparents contribute Grandmothers are an important source of day-care for young children today. A grandparent may be frail, with emotional and physical needs of their own. Being a grandchild Grandparents are really important for the children themselves. A bridge to the outside world Grandparents can create a bridge for children to move between life at home with their parents and the outside world.

A link to other worlds Children may enjoy sharing the particular skills, interests and ideas offered by grandparents that are different from their parents. Understanding family relationships Knowing their grandparents can help children to see their own parents in a new light. Learning about ageing and bereavement Children learn about the reality of getting old from their grandparents.

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