GRAND Magazine - Spring 2024 - 37

connecting with grandkids
#1 What's the value of having grandparents
in your life?
Grandparents are as close-knit as parents, whom
we live with daily, but the relationship is calmer and
more fun as they do not have the same parental
responsibilities. With more life experiences, grandparents
offer a different perspective than a parent,
a sibling, or even aunts and uncles. Most grandparents
lived in a very different " world " than the one
their grandkids inhabit. Comparing and contrasting
viewpoints from both generations can teach grandchildren
valuable lessons as they pass on decades
of knowledge, wisdom, and traditions. It's cool-
what a beautiful lineage for those lucky enough to
have grandparents.
#2 What personal lessons have you learned
from your grandparents, and what have they
learned from you?
I am fortunate that I have three living grandparents.
One of the most important things I learned
from my Grandma Lysie is her ability to push
through difficult times. When I look at her family,
friendships, job, and passions, I see that she's been
able to make the best of her circumstances and
teach others how to do the same. People respect
her. She gives off a warmth you can feel whether
you met her today, yesterday, or 20 years ago. She
inspires me to be a strong person and confident
woman.
My grandfather, PopPop, taught me that loving
someone means sometimes doing things you
don't always want to do. One vivid memory is visiting
my grandparents in San Francisco as a child
and craving pancakes from my favorite restaurant,
37 GRAND SPRING 2024
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I encourage all grandparents to
find their own unique way to
connect with their grandchildren,
build a valuable relationship, and
create family traditions that can
last for generations. "
"
Mamma's. My grandfather detests waiting in line,
yet he deeply loves me and loves to make me
happy. We stood in line together...and my pancakes
were delicious. Making small or big sacrifices for
the people you love and care about is an important
quality I strive to live up to.
Grandma Gloria, my Dad's mom, taught me the
value of family. That side of my family is large, with
so many cousins, aunts, and uncles-all living near
each other. GG, as I like to call her, is happiest when
her brood of twenty-two spends time together.
" Family first " has always been her motto, forgoing
any other engagement. GG cares deeply about our
safety and is very protective. Family means everything
to me, too, in large part due to GG.
#3 What advice would you give grandchildren
to build stronger relationships with their
grandparents?
Often, kids are consumed with their own lives and
don't always accept the wisdom, knowledge, or advice
offered by people around them, like their grandparents.
It can be sad to know that your grandparents are
growing older and may not be around much longer
or confusing to find a way to communicate with them.
But it is important to give them the appreciation and
attention they deserve. Before my mother's mother
passed away, I was very young and did not understand
how to best communicate with her. I now know how
important it is to understand what matters to your
grandparents. Be sure to listen and give them your
undivided attention. What do they care about? What
makes them smile? Despite generational differences,
try to find common interests. When my grandparents
visited me, we would have a spa night at their hotel,
go out to dinner, or simply watch a movie with popcorn
from room service. With GG, we visit our favorite
museum or see A Christmas Carol. To strengthen
bonding relationships, consider starting new traditions
together. Imagine sharing these traditions with your
kids and having these traditions continue to be passed
down among the generations-a memorable legacy.
I encourage all grandparents to find their own
unique way to connect with their grandchildren, build
a valuable relationship, and create family traditions
that can last for generations.
Stay tuned for my interview with Trevor, my 15-year-old
grandson, to see how his views on grandchildren/grandparent
relationships are similar or different to Maddie's ideas.
Elyse Pellman is President of Age
Wave, the nation's recognized authority
on aging, longevity, and
retirement. In that role, she has led
operations, client management, and
consumer and B2B strategy and
development to help dozens of Fortune
500 companies meet the complex
challenges and grand opportunities
of the longevity revolution.
Elyse's favorite activities are spending
time with her husband, Stuart,
her grandchildren, and nieces, staying
active and healthy, and traveling
to Paris as often as possible.
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GRAND Magazine - Spring 2024

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