By Contributing Author Beth Sanborn, of Far From Camelot
How important is family involvement in your son’s life? Last weekend, my son proved the extreme need of grandparents, specifically, in every child’s life. Being an only child with one uncle that did not have children, I often felt alone and extremely over protected growing up. I had the eyes of both my parents on me all the time. It became suffocating as a teenager when hormones were changing and differing opinions than my parents’ were forming. But I had the sanctuary of my grandparent’s home to escape to when life got too tight. My son does not, as of the present time.
My parents came up for Riley’s 3rd birthday. The look on his face when they walked through the front door was pure elation! My reaction for him was both of joy and sorrow. The joy was of knowing exactly how he felt seeing them again. The sorrow was of knowing how much all of us are missing out on, not living close to each other anymore.
There are many articles about adults needing time alone to focus and re-group after a long work week or stressful happenings. Children are just as susceptible to burn-out as adults! They need new faces and voices that listen to them. Boys especially need a way to get rid of all their pent up energy and then be refreshed after a long nap. It was clear that Riley needed a break from his parents! His grandparents were able to give him a change of scenery and a new audience for his talent shows. I hope we have started the “Horrendous Threes” off on the right foot!
I also see the other side of non-involved family. My in-laws are selfish people that did not even acknowledge Riley’s first birthday. I have spoken to many people whose family acts more like a passing acquaintance, so I know our situation is common. It is quite an emotional hurt for children to grow up knowing their grandparents will never take much interest in them. Where do those kids go when they need further encouragement and support? My son is lucky to have other family that loves him. My in-laws are the losers that choose not to have a wonderful child in their life.
If your son is acting overly frustrated and emotional, why not call grandma over for a few hours. Give him the space he needs to relax. Give him some time away from you! If family is not readily available, I encourage you to find that special “grandma” or “grandpa” for your son’s life and well being. It is important to have that older influence in both your lives to see where you have been and where you need to go.
About the Author: I am a daughter, wife and stay-at-home mother to a 2 year old little boy. In my 3rd decade, balance and happiness have finally come into my life with a little help from my parents and a lot of help from my faith. I have been writing all my life but new to publishing. My first gig was contributing to a weekly mom’s advice column in a local online paper. I’m finding that blogging and all that the online community entails is where I need to be. Life has changed me but my passions have stayed the same; The South is my conditioning, history is what keeps my attention and Spring Training is what gets me through the winter. Please visit my blog Far From Camelot.
