In this day and age, it is not always parents who do the parenting. The changing nature of today’s society means that many grandparents are also involved – sometimes on a daily basis, and not always out of choice. Generally most grandparents assume the role of babysitters in order to give their adult children a respite, help them avoid childcare costs, or simply as a way to spend time with the little ones who contribute greatly to the enrichment of their lives.
However, the scenario is different when both parents work out of the home. In some cases, the children are left with their grandparents from early morning and by the time they return home, it is time for bed. The next morning, the cycle repeats itself. There are some parents who become “weekend parents”, leaving their children at their grandparents’ home during the week and bringing the children home on weekends only. When this happens, guess with whom the children will bond and whose values and religious beliefs the children will pick up!
Whatever the situation, most grandparents feel close to their grandchildren, and the children develop strong bonds with their grandparents when they spend long hours with them. In fact, some studies prove that many children grow up to be grateful for their grandparents’ love and support and they say that such love and stability allowed them to succeed in school, stay out of trouble, develop strong morals and religious values (Dobbin-MacNab 2009).
This subject will be addressed by Mrs Helen D’Amato, the Commissioner for Children, during a discussion to be held on Wednesday, 12th January 2011, at Sala Mons Gonzi, Catholic Institute, Floriana, at 7pm. The general public is cordially invited to attend.
This session is another in the series Zwieg B’Sahhtu – a project initiated by Cana Movement, in an effort to promote healthy marriage and family life.