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Children grow up happier if grandparents are involved in their upbringing, study says

It is not easy to raise a child, especially when both parents need to work. And though you may always hire a babysitter, nothing compares to the love and care a grandparent can give to a child.

A study at Oxford University and the Institute of Education also agree that when it comes to childcare, it is best to count on grandparents.

Research shows that grand-kids grow happier and more secure with their grandparents by their side.

Grandparents are known for their loving, caring, and doting nature towards their grandchildren. It is no wonder why they are children’s favorite people. They do not only make the best meal in town, but also give the best kind of emotional support.

Of course, it is no secret that grandparents “spoil” their grand-kids. This might scare some parents to leave kids in their hands.

But academics at Oxford University found how beneficial it is for children to have a close relationship with their grandparents.

In a study that involved more than 1,500 children, it was discovered that grandparents could help children go through an emotional crisis. The emotional support that grandparents give to children is vital, especially when the family go through tough times such as divorce.

In the case of a 12-year-old girl, her grandmother proved to be a great help when she was having problem at school.

She shared in the study how she was able to manage emotional distress with the help of her grandma. Her grandmother was her comfort when she was bullied at school.

The research of Oxford University also shows that grandparents can help hone children’s problem-solving skills. They also offer counsel to their grandchildren about their plans in the future.

Such was the case of one teenager involved in the study, whose grandparents discussed with him what universities he should apply to and what career to take.

Despite the positive effects of having an involved grandparent in the life of children, it turned out that only one out of three grandparents regularly take care of their grand-kid.

While 40 percent of grandparents only lend their hands occasionally. Researchers believe that it is time for the government to help recognize and advocate for the vital role grandparents play in the children’s well-being.

“What was especially interesting was the link between involved grandparents and adolescent well-being.” Professor Ann Buchanan, director of the Centre for Research into Parenting and Children in the Department of Social Policy and Social Work at Oxford University said.

“Closeness was not enough: only grandparents who got stuck in had this positive impact on their grandchildren.” She noted.

An associate professor of sociology at Boston college also agrees with the findings of Oxford University.

In a study led by Sara Moorman, the relationship of the young generation with their grandparents expose them to different ideas that are handy in navigating through young adulthood.

“Grandparents have a wealth of experience — they’ll often tell stories about their lives and how things worked when they were young, and once kids become adults, they’re able to maximize those lessons.” Sara Moorman explained.

The researchers do not say that grandparents should replace actual parents in raising children. But it stresses how great things can be achieved when all members of the family share a strong bond.

“Parents should be aware of their role as gatekeepers in the relationship between their children and their parents,” Shalhevet Attar-Schwartz, an academic at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem shared.

“They should also be aware of grandparents’ potential to be an important resource in their children’s lives, especially if the family is undergoing a change… or if the child is undergoing a painful or challenging experience…”

What makes a strong relationship between grandparents and grandchildren even more fascinating is how they both benefit from it.

Studies show that grandparents who take care of their grandkids live longer. It is another reason why grandparents should be a part of their precious grandchildren’s life!

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Mary Age

Thursday 7th of September 2023

I started taking care of my granddaughter when she was 4 months old in my house. I was 69 years old. I had her from 7:00 until 6:00. The times were not always the same but mostly that time. A year later she was blessed with a sister so I had two granddaughters less than 2 and 70 years old in my house. That winter I noticed how hard it was to get them and their food in my house SO I offered to stay at their house. They were excited about that. Two years later my husband retired so he came along to help me. He was on the road when our kids were little so this was really a great time for him. The oldest went to preschool and youngest cried cause couldn't go. Then Kindergarten for oldest AND the youngest got into a mentoring program at the same school so our days were getting to be of our own Kindergarten all day and preschool 1/2days Tuesdays thru Friday. We still had them in summer like we always did where I became the craft grandma Pintrest helped plus for Christmas. my daughter gave a craft box. So we all madeit through kindergarten and first grade. My youngest learned the mentoring part so good got Golden WOW's every quarter. Now they are in first and second grade and I am 76 years old. I have had two strokes, two knee replacements, neophanty in my feet, and high blood pressor BUT I have two sweethearts help mup the stairs and run to get slow grandma something while asking "What are we going to do today grandma " The teacher of my youngest when she was in kindergarten told her mother at conference that my granddaughter was beyond belief at rhyming we would practice rhyming words everyday while folding clothes. They are special little girls who are great gymnast love the trampoline and went to nine birthday parties each over the summer. Their father thanks us everyday for giving so much to them. He doesn't know that they have given so much to us. Most of my friends have grown grandchildren at our age but we love our life. it's great going to their house, the messy toys stay there and we have really low electric bills and low gas bills but GAS bills are bait more so it all averages out they only live about 15 minutes from our house. Now we are home and my husband got a job as a crossing guard a few blocks from our house. The job is in a different school district than the girls so no problem getting to their house to be there for the getting off the bus. Our life is our granddaughters and they give so much more than we give them. Being an involved grandparents has been so great for us. EVERYONE should try it.

Barbara smith

Thursday 24th of August 2023

I have been living with my daughter, son in law and grandchild for 4 years now. During Covid we were all at home but both parents worked from home and I watched the toddler. Now she is ready to start kindergarten. I am 73 years old and it has been harder to care for her as she is very active. Also I have a new grandson that I help with whenever I can. He lives less than a mile from me. I can’t do daily care but when they need a break I’m there! Now he is getting a new sibling soon. I do what I can to help with the grandkids. Although I live in the house ,we still do sleepovers together once a week. These are precious moments! I won’t live forever but they keep me forever young! I wish every child gets a special love from their grandparents as often as possible. I am the lucky one!

Dee Matabilas

Friday 7th of July 2023

Grandparents are the best baby sitters.

Debra W Morton

Wednesday 1st of March 2023

I love taking care of my GRANDson each day. What a Blessing!

Tuesday 28th of February 2023

Being a grandparent is the best part of life ❤️. The United States is kind of missing the boat by creating a society/ culture that does not encourage multi generational homes; Both sides, our kids and our elderly would be happier and healthier.

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