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The Importance of Grandparents, Part 2
By mstrohm | April 28, 2008
Andrew, my oldest of 4 children, who by the way is getting married in a week, was in 7th grade. As with so many boys that age he decided that home work was an option. Despite the best attempts of teachers his mother and even his educator father, Andy continued to have missing homework assignments show up on his weekly reports.
At first we nagged, then we punished. However, instead of soliciting a response of obedience within months we were going head to head in the battle of the wills. Ellen and I were determined. We drew up a behavior contract complete with increasing levels of punishments for increased number of missing assignments. We required that each missing assignment be completed even if there was no possibility of credit for that assignment.
While the battle raged and the possibility of peace negotiations seemed impossible it was Andrew’s grandparents who stepped in to save the day! Each one of them, both my wife’s parents and my parents, explained to Andy the importance of completing his assignments. One grandparent pleaded with him and tried to use guilt. Another tried to reason with him. But it was the carefully worded encouragement that Ellen’s father gave Andy that convinced him to repent of his ways.
How did “Grandpa Bob” convince him? Simply by letting him know how stupid it was to finish assignments and get a zero, when he could complete them a week earlier for credit.
“Yeah, that makes sense” Andy agreed. He then began to complete his assignments. I have often thought about this time in Andy’s life and why he responded to his grandfather’s encouragement and not mine. I know I had given him that same reasoning. I know I had invested much time explaining how important it was to get a good education. So why did he respond to my father-in-law and not me?
Because of that special relationship between a grandparent and a grandchild. As Andrew’s parents Ellen and I had to make sure he brushed his teeth, cleaned his room and performed a host of important but not very pleasurable duties. We had direct command over our son. However his grandparents had great influence. I am thankful for godly grandparents who helped influence my four children in several important areas of life. Grandparent, your influence is often just what a child needs!
Thanks Grandparents for being there when needed!
Thanks for accepting your grandchildren for who they are.
Thanks for understand life from a long term perspective and reminding your children what is important in the life of your grandchildren.
Thanks for looking deep into the eyes of these precious kids and just listening.
Thanks for using your powerful influence on a goofy seventh grade boy when he is being dumb!
Mark Strohm, Jr.
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