How do you compete with rich grandparents? We think that the answer is that you do not compete in showering gifts on to the kids. We think that you can make a far stronger relationship with your kids and your grandkids by being there to help them when they need help.
Grandparents come in all shapes and sizes, some with money and some without money. They all have many strengths and weaknesses. We have found that what is important to little children is much different as they become older. In fact, we noticed that with our grandchild, it really does not matter just how rich a grandparent is.
In fact, what really counts is the amount of attention that you pay to them and how you treat them. You can give all of the gifts you want and pay for lots of things. But what it really comes down to is the quality time you spend with your kids and grandkids.
We think that whether you are poor grandparents or rich grandparents, it really does not matter. It is the amount of quality time that you spend with them that counts. Even little children can tell when you are not paying attention or just tolerating them. When they see that you genuinely like spending time with them and love them, it really does not matter how many things you give them. They know that you care and will gravitate towards you any time that you are around. This is what’s so great about being a grandparent, regardless of whether you are rich or not.
The other thing to remember is that it is not always a competition. In fact, it should not be a competition at all between grandparents. Spoiling the child with all kinds of gifts is not going to teach them anything other than that you can be counted on for expensive gifts. Would you rather be counted on to be at their hockey games, their sports activities, their plays, or whatever things that they are in? They will naturally gravitate to you and be more comfortable being around you. You will have more time to bond with them, and they will appreciate this and just be comfortable around you.
Kids are not stupid. They quickly pick up on who gives them gifts, and who spends time with them, and who is there when they need something. Whether it is a ride to the store, an ice cream cone, or just a phone call, the kids know the difference between someone who is there for them vs. someone who showers them with gifts and then leaves.
Our bottom line is do not worry about the rich grandparents; focus more on being there for your kids and making sure they have time to get to know you and bond with you. Babysit, going to their games, and being involved in their lives are the best ways to show that you care. There is a fine line, though, where you must not try to replace your kid’s roles as parents. Let them fill the parent role, and you fill the grandparent role, and everything will be fine.
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we went through this a few years ago. it is called the sandwich generation were you have kids and parents and have to look after them both. we did not have to worry about rich parents.