Grandparents are often seen as the ones who bring the fun, treats and extra cuddles. But their role in a child’s life is far more profound. Research highlights just how vital grandparents can be in the emotional, cognitive and social development of their grandchildren. In turn, grandchildren also have a deeply positive impact on their grandparents’ well-being.
Grandparents as Caregivers
Humans are known as ‘cooperative breeders’ – our children are not only raised by their parents but also supported by a network of caregivers, including grandparents. Across many cultures, grandparents play a hands-on role in caregiving, offering support like feeding, bathing, supervising and soothing young children.
Traditionally, this caregiving has been led by grandmothers, with studies showing maternal grandmothers tend to invest the most time (1). But times are changing. As parents’ roles evolve and awareness grows about the value of intergenerational involvement , more grandfathers are stepping into active caregiving roles.
Benefits for Grandchildren
A growing body of research reinforces how essential grandparents are to their grandchildren’s development:
- A 2021 study (2) found that regular contact with grandmothers is linked with improved cognitive functioning and academic achievement in children, along with reduced behavioural and emotional difficulties.
- Another study (1) revealed that grandmothers positively influence teenagers’ mental health – a testament to the power of a nurturing and present elder figure during adolescence.
- Interestingly, neuroscientific research (2) shows that grandmothers demonstrate strong emotional empathy. When grandmothers viewed photos of their grandchildren, brain scans showed they shared in both their grandchildren’s joy and distress. This emotional resonance fosters deeper understanding and more attuned caregiving.
Perks of Living Nearby
Living close to grandparents has its advantages. Proximity allows for more regular childcare, which can free parents to re-enter the workforce. Research suggests mothers are 10% more likely to be in paid employment when a grandmother lives nearby (3). Financial support and emotional closeness from grandparents can also act as buffers against depression later in life for grandchildren (4). Likewise, grandparents who have positive relationships with their grandchildren often report fewer depressive symptoms.
In short: Grandparents are good for grandchildren, and grandchildren are good for grandparents.
Simple Ways Grandparents Can Connect and Support
What else can grandparents do to help out the parents? Besides coming to GymbaROO, here are a few ideas that don’t cost much but mean so much.
1. Treasure Box
Set aside a special box filled with bits and bobs – ribbons, wrapping paper, fabric scraps, bottle tops, buttons, containers. Kids love this kind of “treasures” and will spend hours crafting and imagining. It’s like magic in a box.
Remember the glue, sticky tape, child-safe scissors and a space where mess is suited.
2. Books and Toys from the Past
Have some old books and toys from when your children were little? Take them out of storage and have them available. Kids love hearing stories of when ‘mum and dad were your age’ and playing with toys that have history. It’s a beautiful way to share memories and create new ones.
3. Share a Hobby
Whether it’s gardening, knitting, baking or painting, kids love doing grown-up things, especially if it’s something you like to do. Grandparents often have the time and patience to teach those skills. Let them dig in the dirt, help make jam or do some drawing together. These little moments become treasured memories.
4. Prioritise Time over Tasks
The greatest gift grandparents can give their grandchildren is time and time engaged with other people helps to create connections in the brain. Time doing an activity like GymbaROO or time doing something simple at home. These moments grow brains and build memories that will last a lifetime.
Lasting Impact
Whether near or far, the involvement of grandparents in their grandchildren’s lives enriches everyone. It supports a child’s emotional security, enhances their learning and adds an extra layer of love to their upbringing. For grandparents, the connection brings joy, purpose and even health benefits.
References:
1.Helle S, Tanskanen AO, Pettay JE, Danielsbacka M. The interplay of grandparental investment according to the survival status of other grandparent types. Scientific Reports. 2022;12(1):1-9.
2.Rilling JK, Gonzalez A, Minwoo L. The neural correlates of grandmaternal caregiving. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences. 2021;288(1963):1-10.
3.Compton J, Pollak RA. Family proximity, childcare, and women’s labor force attachment. National Bureau of Economic Research Working Paper Series. 2011;17678.
4.Moorman SM, Stokes JE. Solidarity in the Grandparent–Adult Grandchild Relationship and Trajectories of Depressive Symptoms. The Gerontologist. 2014;56(3):408-20.