America's grandparents believe they are sharing a number of roles with parents in raising their grandchildren. More than half believe they are making a very important contribution to the lives of their grandchildren, according to a broad new look at the grandparent-grandchild relationship from the point of view of the grandparents, done by AARP (formally known as the American Association of Retired Persons).1
Among the most important tasks that grandparents take on is talking with their grandchildren about a variety of issues. Most popular topics of conversation between grandparents and their grandchildren are issues such as school (84 percent), morals or values (78 percent), planning future visits (72 percent), and daily activities (72 percent).2
While grandparents feel that their grandchildren are more likely to discuss serious issues with their parents, some believe their grandchildren are equally as likely to talk to them about religion, drinking, drug use, and other sensitive topics. Almost two-thirds (65 percent) of grandparents speak with their grandchildren about religion and spirituality, and almost half report talks about cigarettes (47 percent), alcohol use (43 percent), and illegal drugs (45 percent).3
Making the most of chances to talk about tough issues like alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs is one way that grandparents can help keep youth mentally healthy and drug free. Children are curious about alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs. They are exposed to drug messages on TV, in the movies and videos, in newspapers and magazines, at school, on the Internet, and in talks with friends and family. Even if parents and grandparents have done a great job of educating and taking care of children, some will still be curious about alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs. Their sources of drug information may not always be correct or have their best interests at heart. But grandparents do. That's why the unique relationship between grandparent and grandchild provides an ideal opening for a discussion of the dangers of drugs.
Some grandparents may not know what to say when it comes to talking to their grandchildren about drugs. Research shows that grandparents are looking for help on how to talk to their grandkids about difficult topics and, according to a recent AARP survey, 54 percent of grandparents would find information about discussing drugs somewhat or very useful.4
To help grandparents keep their grandchildren drug free, the Partnership for a Drug-Free America offers the following tips5:
Sources
1 AARP. 7/15/2002, American Grandparents Taking an Active Role in Helping Raise Grandchildren, AARP Survey Finds, last referenced 10/15/03.
2 Ibid.
3 Ibid.
4 AARP. Grandparenting Survey, November 1999.
5 Partnership for a Drug-Free America. Grandparents Hold A Key to Keeping Teens Drug-Free, last referenced 10/15/03.
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