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Grandparent escapes: The enriching benefits of holiday visits for children


The school holidays serve as a unique occasion, particularly for urban-raised children, to venture into the countryside and potentially spend quality time with their grandparents.

In Kenya, the extended December holidays, especially for those not engaged in final national exams, offer an opportunity to reconnect with their roots.

While spending time with parents is valuable, there are compelling reasons why taking children to their grandparents during the holiday season can be advantageous.

Here are some:

  1. Bonding Time: Spending time with grandparents allows children to build a strong emotional bond with them. Grandparents often have unique ways of connecting with their grandchildren, sharing stories, and passing down family traditions.
  2. Cultural and Family Traditions: Grandparents often play a crucial role in passing down cultural and family traditions. During holidays, grandparents can teach children about their heritage, customs, and the importance of family values. Children also have the opportunity to learn mother tongue from their grandparents.
  3. Quality Time: Holidays provide an extended period for quality time spent together. Away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, children and grandparents can engage in various activities, like cattle herding, fetching water, firewood.
  4. Wisdom and Life Lessons: Grandparents often have a wealth of life experiences and wisdom to share. Spending time with them allows children to learn valuable life lessons, gain insights into family history, and benefit from their advice.
  5. Support System: Grandparents can provide additional support to parents during the holidays. Whether it’s helping with childcare, sharing responsibilities, or offering guidance, having an extended family support system can be beneficial.
  6. Closeness to Nature: Grandparents may live in a different environment, such as a rural area, providing children with a chance to experience a different lifestyle, explore nature, and engage in outdoor activities.
  7. Building Memories: Holidays spent with grandparents create lasting memories for children. These memories contribute to a sense of belonging, family identity, and nostalgia as they grow older.
  8. Positive Influence: Grandparents can be positive role models for children. Their influence often extends beyond the immediate family and contributes to the child’s overall development.
  9. Strengthening Family Ties: Taking children to their grandparents reinforces the importance of family bonds. It strengthens the connection between generations and fosters a sense of belonging.
  10. Mutual Enjoyment: Grandparents often enjoy having their grandchildren around, and vice versa. The mutual joy and happiness experienced during the holiday season can create a positive and loving family atmosphere.

While these benefits are significant, it’s essential to consider individual family dynamics.

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