This is our monthly one-on-one conversation. This week, I am discussing my impressions of DeeDee More’s great blog post, “A Grandparent’s Response to the Surgeon General’s Advisory on Parents’ Mental Health.”
Some of the data collected over the last few years concerning parents and their mental health might be surprising to you. I was surprised to learn about some of the challenges that young parents face beyond dealing with picky eaters, colicky infants, and potty training, to name a few.
As Grandfathers, I think we can help our grandchildren’s parents by doing the following:
- Educate ourselves on what is causing stress among young parents and be sensitive to the fact that their stresses are not the same as what caused us stress 20+ years ago.
- Check-in on the parents, both your son or daughter and son-in-law and daughter-in-law. Do this by taking just them out to eat or even by using your phone or texting, depending on how they communicate. Ask about THEM and not the grandkids. I know this is a tough one, but do it anyway.
- When you visit or talk to them, be aware of their behavior, situation, and what is happening around their home. Notice what is different or “not them,” as this could be a sign that they could use additional support or TLC.
- Remember to be a good listener. Pick up on whether the person you are talking to wants your input or just needs a friendly ear so they can vent. DO NOT get into a comparison or contest about how rough you had it as a parent and how rough they have it today. YOU went through your struggles and have experience and hindsight. THEY are in the middle of their challenges and need support from their father or father-in-law.
Once you have listened to this podcast, please remember to subscribe, like, and share this conversation with other people who would enjoy the show AND could use the information and support I try to put into every episode.
Links
I invite you to join me at Grandparents Week by clicking this link: https://training.grandparentsacademy.com/a/2147832178/ikxv5HFd.
If you want to sign up for my course, Intentional Grandfathering, please use this link: https://training.grandparentsacademy.com/intentional-grandfathering-masterclass.
You can watch this conversation on YouTube by clicking this link: https://youtu.be/0rOVrNrtMFg.
Here is the link to DeeDee’s fantastic blog post: https://www.morethangrand.com/blog/grandparents-response-to-the-surgeon-generals-advisory-on-parents-mental-health
Here is the direct link to download your copy of the Surgeon General’s Parental Mental Health & Wellness report: https://www.hhs.gov/surgeongeneral/priorities/parents/index.html.
You can listen to the podcast episode DeeDee and I had together and learned about More Than Grand using this link: https://cool-grandpa.us/?s=DeeDee+More.
Here is my buddy Steve Ownes’ website for his podcast, Fascination Street: https://fascinationstreetpod.com/.
More Than Grand 
Grandfathers have a unique and meaningful role to play in grandchildren’s development, yet they often find themselves behind the scenes, on the sidelines, or less engaged than they’d like to be. This masterclass delivers a playbook for helping grandfathers level up their influence and impact. Listeners to The Cool Grandpa Podcast can receive 40% off this course by using Cool40 at checkout.
Founded in 2011 by Aaron Larsen as a way to honor his grandparents, GrandparentsAcademy.com is the world’s first and only online academy dedicated to helping grandparents grow meaningful relationships and rich legacies with their loved ones.
