Grandparents seem to have close relationships with their grandkids. In fact, most children feel closer to them than their own parents.

The explanation for that is no longer a mystery. Researchers were able to find the answers and every grandparent deserves to know more about them.

1. They offer unconditional love.

Grandparents love their grandchildren without expectations. They don’t ask for anything in return, too. They pour their hearts out for the kids, showering them with lots of hugs and even home-baked goodies.

2. They teach the value of time.

Grandparents will always be there to witness their grandkids’ milestones. From the day they’re born to the day they celebrate their 18th birthday, they will be there to offer support and love. They know that they won’t be around forever so they try to teach the young ones to appreciate every moment.

3. They are always there to offer support.

When a child cries, you can expect a grandparent to be right beside that kid. This is a good thing since it gives the child someone to share his thoughts and feelings with.

4. They know their grandkids’ needs.

At Grandma’s house, there will always be food to eat and a clean bed to sleep on. An umbrella will always be ready in case it rains. She will always have a set of clean clothes ready even if you visit without telling her first. Grandparents will always know what their grandkids need even without telling them.

5. They are open to learning new things.

You see, grandparents don’t mind learning from younger people. In fact, they’ll humbly ask for help if they aren’t sure about something.

Most of them don’t know how to use computers and smartphones. That’s why they ask their kids and grandkids to help them out.

6. They tell stories about their time.

A lot of things have changed over the years. Young people dress differently these days. Women don’t use the same makeup techniques anymore. Men’s grooming techniques have changed, too.

Grandparents know that the times have changed. However, this doesn’t discourage them from sharing stories about their past.

7. They are excellent mentors.

Grandparents teach by words and by example. This makes them great mentors for the younger generation. They lead by example.

8. They offer great friendship.

The friendship grandparents offer doesn’t come with expectations and peer pressure. This allows their grandkids to be comfortable around them. They can be themselves without worrying about being judged or scolded.

9. They remind kids to have fun.

In life, bad things happen. However, that doesn’t mean that we should always feel bitter about them. Grandparents can remind their grandchildren that it’s perfectly fine to laugh those things off and be good-humored about life.

10. They give a sense of stability in today’s very dynamic world.

Divorce and separation are very real and these are things that impact kids’ lives in a huge way. With parents getting on their own way, the presence of a grandparent offers a sense of stability for the kids. Even though life is upsetting, they know that their Grandma and Grandpa are there for them.

11.They make kids a lot happier.

Researchers from Oxford University found out that children who grew up with their grandparents around them were significantly happier than those who didn’t. There was a lower rate of depression, too.

12. They teach valuable life lessons.

Apart from the delicious pastries and awesome cuddles, grandparents give really good life lessons, too. They teach from their own experience and the wisdom they’ve gained through the years. With their lessons, they hope that their kids and grandkids can avoid the same mistakes they’ve made in their lives.

13. They make kids more aware of their family history.

Grandparents serve as a link to the past. They share stories about how life was before and the way they grew up. They even share funny stories about their own kids, allowing their grandchildren to know more about their parents.

14. They are always there to listen.

Grandparents don’t judge. That’s why kids find it easier to share stories with them. They can talk about their hopes, dreams, and even problems without worrying about anything else.

15. They nurture happiness.

It’s not clear how they do it but grandparents have this special ability to make kids smile in an instant. A close relationship between grandparents and grandchildren has also been found to decrease symptoms of depression for both parties.