Why Intergenerational Bonding is So Important for Our Kids
If your child is lucky enough to have grandparents or older aunts and uncles in their lives, you’ll already be appreciative of the knowledge and support they can provide. Intergenerational bonding is not a term we hear often, but is one parents should be aware of. Referring to the building of relationships between different age groups, this key tool (yup, we’re calling it a tool) can have a significant impact upon your child and family.
Exploring Intergenerational Bonding
Intergenerational bonding is nothing new. Generations of families have been living together and supporting one another for hundreds of years. It’s the way we live our lives today which has caused it to take a step backwards. With grandparents living in different cities, family spread throughout the world and the village no longer raising the child, kids today rarely have contact with older generations.
The benefits of relationship building between kids and older generations are well known, and include:
- Elderly feeling useful as they can become teachers rather than dependents again
- Giving a sense of understanding about their roots can help a child feel connected and belonging to their family unit and community
- Older generations are a source of wisdom and can help offer advice on experiences the family is going through, as they themselves have already gone through it
- When building relationships with elders, each family member can develop their sense of compassion and kindness towards others
You’ve most likely already got some ideas on the types of activities your child and family could do to develop strong relationships with elders – and so have we …
Activities Which Encourage Intergenerational Bonding
Stories are a wonderful way to not only learn new things, but to also engage and build relationships with others. You’ll find many grandparents who love to recall their childhood days to younger generations, or read a favourite picture book for example. Others like to take kids to the playground or teach them how to cook a special family recipe.
Sometimes though, each person wants to be actively involved and that’s where our NZ Made Craft Kits come in handy. From making your own shampoo bars or body butter, through to building wooden treasure boxes or poi earrings, there are plenty of awesome activities certain to keep everyone happy. They also make fabulous gifts for children to take when visiting their elders, as who could resist a little face just wanting to make something with them?
Happy bonding everyone!
