608 | The Emerging Significance of Grandparents in Family Systems: Equipping Generational Leaders to Maximize Their Influence

The role of a grandparent in the family system is complex and requires intentional strategies to maximize their contributions. Currently there are over 70 million grandparents in the US, increasing by 1.9 million annually, highlighting the importance for licensed mental health professionals and church leaders to be resourced in meeting the needs of this demographic. Grandparents often find themselves ill-equipped to address the challenging issues their children and grandchildren are facing. This workshop focuses on Identifying the critical tasks and roles which grandparents must navigate underscores the need for creative interventions which benefit intergenerational growth. Furthermore, participants will learn strategies to help grandparents overcome the common barriers of distance and proximity to grandchildren to find adaptive pathways for connection and bonding. Custodial grandparents, and all grandparents, are seeking proactive techniques to leave a positive legacy as they provide the necessary support for their grandchildren to thrive. The presenters will also explain a biblical model of grandparenting for willing Christian clients. Participants will explore data collected from over 1000 grandparents and 800 grown adults who were highly influenced by their grandparents and determine proven and practical interventions to help grandparents flourish.