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Each year the blog takes on a different focus. In 2019 the goal is for each post to bring you the reader a lesson, quote, message, or story that can help you grow.
Grandchildren
Today is my granddaughter Bryleigh’s 2nd birthday.
We will host a party for her in our backyard or as she likes to call it “outside”.
Bryleigh “outside”
I read a passage from Proverbs 17:6 that paraphrases that grandchildren are the crowns that older people wear.
I never knew two of my four grandparents (my mom’s dad and my dad’s mom). They died when my parents were just teenagers. My other two grandparents passed away before I was 10.
I don’t think my situation with not knowing all of my grandparents is unique. The life expectancy has changed since the 20th Century. In 1900, less than half of American adolescents had at least two living grandparents, that figure had grown to 90% in 1976.
I came across the results of a survey by the American Grandparents Association (AGA). Here is what it had to reveal:
- 72% of grandparents “think being a grandparent is the single most important and satisfying thing in their life.” I am not in the 28% group.
- More than 75% of grandparents use the internet and nearly half use social media regularly. This tool keeps them connected to their grandchildren.
When I was coaching college basketball recruiting future basketball players often led me to a grandparents home. According to the latest U.S. Census figures, 7.5 million children lived with at least one grandparent, which is more than 10% of the under 18 population.
Dr. Karl Pillemer of Cornell University has done a lot of research on grandparents and grandchildren. He also directs the Cornell Legacy project.
According to Dr. Pillemer, the relationship between grandparents and their grandchildren is second in emotional importance only to the relationship between parent and child. Children benefit when grandparents are involved in their lives. But grandparents also enjoy benefits from the relationship with their grandchildren.
I don’t think any of my friends and family that are grandparents would disagree.
Happy Birthday Bryleigh see you “outside”.
coach4aday 
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