3 - Way Communication
The Sandwich Generation Impact
Children can learn about family history when they spend time with grandparents - taking a walk, sharing a burger or driving in the car. Limit the outside interruptions and allow nature and time to work its magic (Kruse, 2012a).
​
Grandparents have time now to share hobbies, talents and crafts they enjoyed, such as sewing, crocheting and baking (Kruse, 2012a).​
​​
Benefits for Children
Benefits for Grandparents
Grandparents can create special traditions with children, such as a certain place to walk that is only for them. It is an opportunity to relax together without all the parental responsibilities (Kruse, 2012b).
​
Playing specific board games or card games together. If the Grandparent is motivated - maybe even a video game that the child enjoys. Such activities allow for a special bond to develop without the middle generation involved (Kruse, 2012b).​
Family sanity is based on good communication. It is important to sit down as a family and talk about each other's needs, as well as, the needs of the family (Trenholm & Jensen, 2008). This is an opportunity to model healthy behavior for the children, and to teach the importance of respecting each person within the family unit. A married middle-age couple must communicate the need for their couple time as well (Trenholm & Jensen, 2008).