When my five-year-old begs me to have a playdate with his Nana and Poppy, and my one-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 childcare 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?
Dr. Karl Pillemer, a professor of human development at Cornell University, emphasizes that quality matters more than quantity. “Even short bursts of meaningful interaction can leave lasting impressions,” he says. This could be as simple as attending a soccer game, reading bedtime stories over FaceTime, or planning special one-on-one outings. And, in today’s tech-savvy world, physical distance doesn’t have to mean emotional distance. Apps like Caribu or good old-fashioned video calls can help grandparents stay involved in day-to-day life, even if they live far away.
Plus, grandparents are natural storytellers, and research from Emory University reveals that kids who know family stories are more resilient and confident. Whether it’s teaching grandchildren how to bake a treasured family recipe or recounting childhood adventures, these moments are invaluable. Traditions, no matter how small, provide children with a sense of continuity and identity. Weekly pancake breakfasts, holiday crafting sessions, or an annual fishing trip can become cherished rituals that grandchildren will carry into their own families someday.
Grandparents’ involvement can be a gift, not just to their grandchildren but to the entire family.
By bridging generations, they weave a legacy of love, resilience, and connection that endures long after we’re gone.
So, to all the involved grandparents reading this: Thank you for the laughs, the endless snacks, and the steadying presence you bring. And to parents like me, let’s not take this gift for granted. I know not every family has the ability to have involved grandparents due to a myriad of reasons. Each family is different, and that’s okay. Just remember that when healthy grandparents are present, families flourish.
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