GRAND Magazine - January/February 2017 - 8

grandfather knows best

Gold Medal Grandfathering
BY KEN R. CANFIELD

he world witnessed a gold medal celebration of grandfathering years ago when Jim Shea Jr., won the sledding gold
medal in the Salt Lake City Olympics. His grandfather, Jack
Shea, had won two gold medals in speed skating years earlier in
the Lake Placid games.
The grandson-grandfather gold medal winners had hopes of
being together in Salt Lake, but Jack Shea was killed in a car accident only one month before the games began.
During his race, Jim Jr. carried a picture of his granddad inside
his helmet. After crossing the finish line and seeing he had won,
Jim yanked off his helmet and held up the photo for all to see.
Later, at the awards ceremony, Jim wore one of his grandfather's
gold medals on the podium. Though Jack Shea wasn't present, he
was very well represented by his grandson.

Remember you are magic in the eyes
of your grandchildren.

Their story likely resonates with grandfathers. Researchers
Neugarten and Weinstein agree. As early as 1964, they identified
five categories of personal significance that grandfathers receive
when they're connected to their grandchildren.
1. Biological renewal and continuity. With a high degree of
commitment between a grandfather and grandchild, the grandfather's empowered to feel young again sensing that his character
and values can extend beyond his lifetime.
2. Emotional fulfillment. This comes with the sheer joy of
being related to such adorable and talented grandchildren.
3. Being a useful resource. Grandfathers are sources of advice,
family history, and some financial support.
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JANUARY FEBRUARY 2017

4. Vicarious achievement. Grandfathers can feel personal
pride in a grandchild's performance or character.
5. Indulgence. It's gratifying to spoil those grandchildren
occasionally.
Researcher Judd Swihart found after interviewing grandfathers and their grandchildren that grandfathers significantly
undervalued their influence on their grandchildren. Or, as Dr.
Arthur Kornhaber has said, remember you are magic in the
eyes of your grandchildren.
As a grandfather you have a golden opportunity to pass
on heritage, values, and support to future generations you

may never see. Take time, be proactive and intentional, and make
the most of every moment you have. It's a magical relationship
which will yield benefits to you and your grandchildren.

Ken with one of his 11
grandchildren, Tenley

Ken R Canfield, Ph.D is the founder of
the National Center for Fathering and
most recently the National Association for
Grandparenting, at Grands Matter, www.
grandsmatter.org. He is a regular reader of
GRAND Magazine and believes the golden
age of grandparenting is beginning to dawn.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPKewUaiKfA https://www.jstor.org/stable/349727?seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents http://www.grandsmatter.org/ http://www.grandsmatter.org/

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of GRAND Magazine - January/February 2017