When my 5-year-old begs me to have a playdate with his Nana and Poppy, and my 1-year-old squeals with delight every time she hears a Facetime from a grandparent come through, I remember the joy I felt as a child when I engaged with my own grandparents. Not everyone has the same experience with their grandparents or parents, but at its core, the role of a grandparent is meant to be one of wisdom, stability and unconditional love.
Today, grandparents are taking on a more involved role than ever before. According to Generations United’s 2023 State of Grandfamilies Report, 72% of grandparents regularly care for their grandchildren, with 22% providing nearly full-time caregiving. This level of engagement is a stark contrast to previous decades. In the 1980s, grandparent involvement was more sporadic — think birthday parties and holiday visits. But societal shifts have pushed grandparents into the family spotlight. Rising child-care costs, the prevalence of dual-working parents and the growing number of multigenerational households (which now make up 18% of U.S. homes, per Pew Research) mean that grandparents are no longer just cherished relatives — they’re family MVPs.
Grandparents bring more than helping hands — they bring history. Research published in The Gerontologist highlights that intergenerational relationships significantly enhance a child’s sense of identity, security and resilience. Through stories of “when I was your age” and quirky family traditions, grandparents pass on a family narrative that fosters belonging and self-worth.
Their involvement also boosts children’s emotional health. A 2014 study by Boston College found that emotionally close relationships between grandparents and grandchildren reduce depressive symptoms in both parties. This bond becomes especially critical during tough times, such as family transitions or economic hardships. Grandparents often provide a stabilizing force, offering wisdom and support when life gets messy.
So how can grandparents deepen their connection with their grandchildren?