Having grandparents is a privilege not every child gets to experience. With many couples waiting longer to start a family, grandparents are often no longer around or well enough to be involved in their grandkids' lives. Children don't get to know them, let alone forge that special bond.
An Australian couple is hoping that is not their reality. The parents have posted a classified ad in search for "volunteer grandparents."
The job description includes all the fun things about being a granny or bubbee, like having picnics and playing board games. The only credentials required are that you must be "of a certain age" and enjoy spending time with wee ones.
“People say it takes a village to raise a child, so I’d just like to expand their networks,” said mom-of-three Yvonne De’mille, whose children range in age from a six-month-old infant, a toddler and a teen.
She doesn't want her kiddos to miss out on the valuable relationship between octogenarians and little ones and plans to interview prospective grandparents.
Though some may find De'mille's ad peculiar, there is no doubt that such relationships are as beneficial to the elders as they are to the kids. And for every child out there who misses having a grandparent, there are elders who would light up at the chance to connect with a child.
Up until she passed a few years ago, my grandmother was a key player in my life. She taught me to drive. She made me laugh. She made me think. My relationship with her was categorically different than my relationship with my own mother. And that's what made it great.
I don't think you need to be blood relatives to truly connect with someone. It just takes time and effort to foster that relationship. That's why this idea is so inspired.
I hope De'mille finds the perfect candidate for the job.
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