Society focuses on youth

In the past, grandparents were seen as family historians, mentors, teachers, spiritual guides and role models for aging. Now our society seems to kick this generational role to the curb while focusing on the newest or youngest ideas about parenting, aging and relationships.

According to a study by AARP, 60 million U.S. adults are grandparents, one-third of the adult population. We are losing out on a valuable resource as parents if our children do not have grandparents involved in their lives. I realize that some of us may not have these role models available in our own families, but we should make a commitment to find local grandparents for our kids. With the baby boom generation retiring at record rates, many people are available to teach and mentor our kids in ways that our school system can’t replicate…

I still desperately need my grandmother. She is one of my biggest fans, and her knowledge of my grandfather is something that no one else holds…

Source: The Charlotte Observer
http://www.charlotte.com/409/story/236786.html