Importance of Grandparents (Parents in law) in early growing years of child

In India majority of the household follows paternal family, as here the girl moves to the boy’s house (however exceptions do exist & there is no qualms about that). Let’s talk about the general scenario where in Boy & girl get married, girl moves to boy’s side. Whether they stay together or in different location maintaining good relations with them is always a boon.

  1. They are young parents best guide & motivator: Kids do not come with a manual, also how much you read or watch , your experience of rearing the child is your own. The parenting journey can never be replicated even in case of other child too only comparisons may be possible. In times of bewilderment their one liner “….Nothing will happen to the kid, don’t worry!” does magic. 

 2. With their experiences & knowledge sharing one gets to learn a number of things without much effort.

 3.  Being them around (at least in 90% of cases) one can be assured that your child is in safe hands. As parents they may be harsh on you but as Grandparents they are always lovable for the kids. This sense of security no other can provide.

  4. One does not need to worry about putting young kids in play homes or creches, I would not say all of those are bad as they exist because people need them since everyone might not be fortunate to have a family member around an infant or toddler 24 X 7, the only thing I wish to stress is that one should not create need of such things voluntarily. Try to always maintain cordial relation with them. 

 5. Never consider your Parents in Law to caretakers for your child & leave all the responsibilities related to child on them. They have already reared their kids and your major support but that does mean that they should be burdened, they too have their lives and in wee years of their life they too might be having many dreams that they wish to fulfill. 

  6. Being nice to your Parents in Law will help you in long term too as kids will grow up learning family & moral values. Your behavior with the elders would be a role model for them to follow.