Today's world moves at breakneck speed. Slow living bucks the trend. "Slow living is about applying intention to the pace at which we move in order to have more presence, less distraction and multitasking and more focus on what’s directly in front of you," explains Dr. Caitlin Slavens, BAACS, MC, R Psych, a psychologist.When grandparents engage in slow living, she says that grandkids benefit both quickly and in the long term."For grandchildren, exposure to someone who moves through the day like this is powerful modeling," she adds. "It’s a lesson that life doesn’t have to be one long, hurried rush. You can find joy in small, everyday moments, like picking rocks that you find or walking down the driveway with your kid to get the mail."It sounds dreamy, but some grandparents prove it's entirely possible—yes, even these days. Child psychologists share nine things slow-living grandparents do differently, plus how to become more like them.Related: Parents and Grandparents Who Raise ‘Successful’ Kids Often Do These 10 Things Differently, According to Child Psychologists
9 Things 'Slow-Living' Grandparents Do Differently, Child Psychologists Say
2. They let grandkids set the pace
Grandkids aren't "on the clock" when they're with a slow-living grandparent."'Slow-living' grandparents embrace flexibility rather than rigid schedules," Dr. Dragonette states.Often, Dr. Slavens says "slow-living" grandparents are keen to let their grandkids play pacer."Whether a child is buttoning their coat or examining bugs along their walk, slow-living grandparents don’t rush them," she reports. "They know children need time to explore and figure out things on their own."
4. They value experiences
Grandparents are famous for coming to a home bearing gifts. Slow-living grandparents aren't above this habit, but they generally consider quality time their love language."Experiences and relationships are prioritized over consumerism," says Dr. Jessica McCarthy, Psy.D., a psychologist. "Time and connection are the true gifts."Related: This Common Habit Can ‘Backfire’ in Families, Parenting Expert Warns
6. Their top ritual is 'now'
Slow-living grandparents don't engage in rituals to check something off a to-do list or optimize anything. They're immersed in each step and their time with the grandkids who are walking alongside them."Slow-living grandparents have a routine set on the 'now,'" Dr. Broems explains. "They wake up, sit with their coffee on the porch and enjoy what surrounds them without focusing on the future or the past. This practice allows children to witness the power of mindfulness and being present."Related: The 6 Words Therapists Wish Every Parent Would Say to Their Kids More Often
8. They share intergenerational wisdom
Slow-living grandparents are creating a legacy that will outlast the tactile, consumer-driven world."Slow living grandparents aren’t interested in leaving their mark through fancy or high-priced items," Dr. McCarthy notes. "Rather, they look to spend time passing down traditions, recipes, crafts or ways of doing things through gentle teaching and exposure."
1. Make the time
We have so many options for how to fill our schedule. Slowing down requires some legwork and intention, but it's worth it for the bonding you'll do with your grandkids."Setting time aside to relax and focus on the moments spent together, like a tech-free breakfast, an afternoon walk or a no-screen hour, shows children what presence looks and feels like," Dr. Dragonette says.
If there's no white space on your calendar, you may need to develop habits to create it. Dr. Slavens suggests saying "no" to one invite per week."This leaves room for spontaneous time with grandkids—the 'let’s make something in the garage' or 'let’s go to the pool' experiences that come when there is room for spontaneity," she shares.
3. Keep it simple
No shame, but kids these days aren't the only ones attached to their phones. It can be challenging for adults to resist the steady stream of notifications and the temptation to visit social media. Make like a grandkid with Hot Wheels and MagnaTiles and create a "technology parking lot."Dr. Broems says this tip encourages and fosters mindful engagement with minimal distractions."This can even be made to be a fun activity in which you and your grandchild create your own and build the 'parking lot' together," she adds. "This allows for the promotion of slow living together."
5. Focus on presence over perfection
Related: Experts Reveal 9 Traits of Grandmothers Who Stay Close To Their Grandkids
Sources:
Dr. Caitlin Slavens, BAACS, MC, R Psych, is a psychologist.Dr. Jennifer Dragonette, Psy.D., is the clinical services instructor with Newport Healthcare.Dr. Tori Broems, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist and certified school psychologist.Dr. Jessica McCarthy, Psy.D., is a psychologist.Hence then, the article about 9 things slow living grandparents do differently according to child psychologists was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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