Grandparents have a vital role in the lives of their grandchildren, not only as mentors and loving family members, but as a spiritual rock during the hard times. Dr. Tim Kimmel, author of Extreme Grandparenting, joins the show and shares wisdom and encouragement for grandparents wanting to make the most of their role and help grow the next generation for greatness.
There is now a great opportunity to really minister to our own family members. Dr. Tim breaks down four specific roles that grandparents can occupy in their family’s life:
1. Giving a blessing to them & encouraging them in every way you can
2. Bearing a torch of the gospel
3. Setting a standard by your example of contagious faith and consistent integrity
4. Leaving a legacy that will last
We’ve heard a great deal about “helicopter parenting”, but Tim says “helicopter grandparenting” can also be a danger. He breaks down the toxic and hovering nature that term describes for him, also introducing the term “lawnmower parent”.
He points to the Bible and its teaching on parenting, noting that it guides us to raise our young people to stand independently on their own two feet. Our call is to make a lasting spiritual impact on them.
The Simon & Garfunkel standard “Bridge over Troubled Water” ought to be the theme song for grandparents says Dr. Tim.
We talk about the message of Psalm 71 and its particular relevance to this stage of life.
Dr. Tim issues a provoking call to “own the mess” of our older generation and be honest and open with our young people.
