The role that grandparents play in a child’s life is such a vitally important one. A child’s life is enriched in so many ways when it is shared with grandparents. There are so many of life’s lessons that can be shared and passed on from this older generation to a young person whose life stretches ahead of them.

Grandparents provide a foundation of stability and a feeling of continuity in a child’s life as well as being a role model and friend on whom they can rely.

And it’s great for the grandparents too. The laughter and enjoyment I get from being with my two small granddaughters is unbounded. I jump up and down with them on their giant trampoline; attempt to do somersaults; and they laugh until their sides ache at my geriatric attempts to do a handstand. I take them to the park and push them on the swing, and they’re shouting ‘Higher Grandma, higher’. I watch them with pride as they come sliding down the helter-skelter and marvel as they master the intricacies of walking along the rope bridge. We play hide and seek, water the garden, watch tadpoles grow into frogs, draw and paint, and read books together.

I feel enormous pride when I’m out with my granddaughters. And those times when the little one turns to me and says ‘This is such fun, Grandma’ fills my heart with so much love I feel it could burst.

I’m lucky enough to live within an hour’s journey from my granddaughters, so I can see them often. Other grandparents are not so lucky. However, modern communication makes it possible to stay in regular touch via telephone and email. And a weekly postcard is quick and easy to send and children love receiving things through the post. And they’re not on their own! I get such a kick when my little girls send me a drawing or, in the case of my elder granddaughter, a short letter in her own six year old handwriting.

Three adorable little kittens have just been added to my granddaughter’s household creating great excitement there. So, I’m looking forward to my next visit when we shall all enjoy the antics of these three little, furry souls. Of course, they won’t be kittens long because they grow up so quickly.

As, of course, will my granddaughters. Trampolines will be exchanged for cars, tadpoles will be abandoned for make-up and the helter-skelter will surrender to the local disco.

Whatever their age, they will still be my treasured granddaughters. And I hope we will always enjoy eating sausages and chips in town, swinging our legs from a park bench, eating ice cream cornets and sharing jokes and stories.

Family joy and love bring wonderful rewards. Sadly, family disagreements occur and often need professional help to resolve them. As a psychotherapist and relationship coach, it has been my privilege to help individuals and families resolve their difficulties. You can find me at www.lovelifelines

Annie Roy-Barker is a psychotherapist and leading relationship coach, with an extraordinary ability to help you resolve your personal and relationship difficulties. Annie will motivate, guide and inspire you with her incredible techniques for enhancing your relationship, spicing up your love life, or getting your loved one back after a break up. Annie’s mission is your happiness and helping you get your love life right on line.