Great Grandparents, Great Love: The Importance of Grandparent Bonds

Grandparents and grandchildren share a special connection that transcends generations. Many of us carry cherished memories of a grandparent’s gentle guidance or warm embrace. A grandfather patiently teaching his grandson to fish; a grandmother passing down a secret family recipe with love.

Throughout history and across cultures, elders have been pillars of support offering wisdom, stability, and unconditional love. In return, children bring joy and renewed purpose into their grandparents’ lives, forging a bond that enriches both generations in profound ways.

A Pillar Through Generations

You've probably heard the saying, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Well, throughout history grandparents have been key members of said village. In traditional societies, childrearing was multigenerational – grandparents helped care for the young while passing down family lore and values. Elders were valued for the wisdom, stability, and sense of identity they could give to the next generation.

Over time, society came to recognize the vital connection between grandparents and grandchildren. Today, longer lifespans and changing family needs have made grandparents more involved than ever. Nearly one in four U.S. children under age five is cared for by a grandparent, and over 2 million grandparents are primary caregivers to their grandchildren. Through all these changes, grandparents remain a bedrock of support and guidance for each new generation.

Great Grandparents: Wise, Loving, and Influential

Freed from the daily stress of parenting, Grandparents offer a special kind of love that nurtures a child’s development. They can focus on quality time: reading an extra bedtime story, sharing a hobby, or simply listening with patience. Children sense this unique acceptance, and often find unconditional support in their grandparents that boosts them emotionally and mentally. Family researchers even describe many grandparents as family “stress buffers”.

Many studies show tangible benefits for children with close grandparent relationships. A University of Oxford study of 1,500 children found that those with high grandparental involvement had significantly fewer emotional and behavioral problems than their peers. In especially difficult situations (such as divorce), active grandparents helped reduce grandchildren’s adjustment difficulties during family disruptions.

Overall, children who feel close to their grandparents tend to have better mental health and behavior than those who don’t. A caring grandparent’s involvement can even “break the chain” of depression. A grandparent is often able to step in and protect children in a family where a parent struggles with said illness.

To illustrate the many roles grandparents play, consider a few of the hats they wear in a child’s life:

Family Historian & Storyteller

Mentor & Role Model

Playmate & Confidant

Support Pillar in Times of Need

Through these roles and more, grandparents profoundly influence their grandchildren’s cognitive, social, and emotional development. In fact, results showed a decreased likelihood of teen substance use, improved nutrition and better emotional health.

In sum, exceptionally great grandparents provide an extra layer of love and learning in a child’s life. Knowing that an older, loving hand is always there gives children added confidence and security as they grow.

The Gift of Grandchildren

The benefits of this relationship flow both ways. For grandparents, having grandchildren can be a joyful “second chance” at parenting – without all the stress. They get to play, spoil, and explore with the kids, while reliving the wonders of childhood. Many say grandkids make them feel young at heart again.

Surveys show the vast majority of grandparents absolutely love their role (one survey found 98% enjoy being a grandparent). Grandparenthood is deeply fulfilling and gives elders a sense of pride and purpose. As one grandmother said, “Having grandchildren is the vindication of everything I have done as a parent. When we see our children passing on our values to another generation, we know we have been successful.”

It’s not just fun and games – staying involved with grandkids can also boost a grandparent's well-being. Active grandparenting keeps seniors mentally engaged and helps them stay sharper cognitively. Some research has linked grandparent involvement to a lower risk of dementia. Physically, keeping up with energetic little ones means Grandma and Grandpa stay more active, which benefits their health.

Emotionally, the close bond with grandchildren can combat loneliness in later life. One study found that when grandparents and grandkids regularly exchanged emotional support, both had fewer symptoms of depression and better mental health. In short, grandchildren truly give as much as they receive.

Changing Times, Lasting Bonds

Modern life may look different, but the grandparent-grandchild bond is as strong as ever. Even when families live far apart, technology now lets grandparents stay involved through video chats and phone calls. A grandmother can read bedtime stories over a video chat; a grandpa can watch his grandson’s soccer game through live-stream.

And with more parents working or single, we continue to continue to see grandparents raising grandchildren or provide regular childcare. In the U.S., millions of grandparents still live in multigenerational homes and are actively involved in raising their grandchildren. This can be out of necessity due to economic hardship or a health crisis. In other cases, their inclusion is driven by a cultural preference for keeping family close.

Whatever the reason, these arrangements show that the essence of extended family support is alive and well. Grandparents remain that reliable back-up team for overwhelmed parents, ensuring that grandchildren are safe and loved.

Crucially, even as they adapt to new circumstances, today’s grandparents and grandchildren continue to learn from one another. The exchange of love and learning also goes both ways. Grandkids might teach Grandpa how to use a smartphone or introduce Grandma to their favorite music. Meanwhile, grandparents still impart timeless lessons and a sense of continuity in a fast-changing world.

As one expert noted, “Grandparents and grandchildren maintain a symbiotic relationship” . The young benefit from grandparents’ care, and grandchildren give comfort and fulfillment back to their elders. Often this caring comes full circle. Grandparental love given in childhood often returns as grandchild devotion in the elder’s later years.

A Circle of Love Across Generations

In the grand tapestry of family life, the thread between grandparent and grandchild is uniquely golden. It weaves together past, present, and future – anchoring children in a history larger than themselves. At the same time, this connection to youth gives older adults a joyous stake in the future. The love shared across this generational bridge creates a circle of care that enriches everyone's life and wellbeing.

When grandparents are present, children are often happier and healthier, and families tend to be more resilient. Knowing this, wise parents cherish and encourage the bond between children and grandparents. A simple phone call to Grandma, a weekend at Grandpa’s house, or inviting the grandparents to school events strengthen this bond. Over time, these efforts pay dividends in the form unity, balance and open mindsets.

From prehistoric campfires to modern living rooms, grandparents bring a steadfast love and support that bolsters a child's development. In turn, children are the best gifts for grandparents by giving them a renewed sense of purpose, joy, and wonder in life’s later years. Celebrating and nurturing this bond is one of the best gifts we can give to our families – and ourselves – at any age.

It’s a beautiful exchange that continues to stand the test of time.

Happy Grandparents Day