My two boys are grown and live on their own, but fatherhood is probably still a few years off, which means grandparenting for Jean and me is also a few years off. We’re looking forward to it.
In the meantime, I’m thinking about the kind of grandfather I hope to be and how God might want to use me as a loving and positive influence in my grandkids’ lives. I have some questions. And I bet you do, too.
Most grandparents undervalue their influence on their grandkids. They believe grandparents do little more than spoil their grandchildren with candy and presents. As fun as that is, isn’t there more?
A recent Barna study asks teenagers, “Who do you admire most as a role model?” The results suggest that, after parents, grandparents are the greatest potential influence in a young person’s life – more than coaches, teachers, members of their peer group, or pastors.
As a grandparent, you can do much more than just create fun memories. You play a pivotal role in the lives of your grandchildren and can make a huge impact on their physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
On Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, I’m talking with Dr. Josh Mulvihill, author of the book Grandparenting: Strengthening Your Family and Passing on Your Faith, about how to make a positive impact on your grandkids and leave a lasting legacy.