What Your Teen Learns by Caring for Grandparents
Given the last census numbers we know that many families are struggling to take care of parents while they raise their teens. Before or even as your parents become less active have your teen join you as you care for your parents, their grandparents. This is an opportunity to bring the lessons of history to the youth of today.
There is a certain humility required to receive care –to have people do things for you that you believe you should do for yourself. This is especially true if your parents were proud, immigrated to this country, fought in any of the civil wars that occurred across Europe, or face Jim Crow, or other prejudices. The struggle required of these families formed the foundation upon which many countries like the U.S were developed. If your teen has the opportunity to talk to that generation about their experience, it may provide new insight into who they are and of what they are capable.
Your teen might learn how a little girl helped integrate the school system and want to be a lawyer. How the jews that immigrated to New York created the fashion industry through their talent for tailoring and want to be a fashion designer. They might be moved by the compassion of the great depression and appreciate the socialism that saved the US and think of starting their own non-profit group. They might be inspired by the first black pilots that aced not just passed exams to be able to fly so they could defend the US and consider applying themselves more in school.
Sure some elderly can be grumpy, but which teen doesn’t have a grumpy moment at times? Let them tell each other their stories and create an opportunity to catapult the dreams of the past into the hearts and minds of your teen, the future.
Related posts:
