Studies have shown that raising grandchildren can be mutually beneficial. Grandparents provide a stable, safe, loving and fun environment for their grandchildren and the closeness between grandchildren and grandparents may keep older adults sharp, ward off depression, boost social connections, and solidify an important family relationship.
Some positive results of grandparents caring for their grandchildren are:
- Peace of mind – Parents know that their children are with those who love them and are giving them the time an attention their parents can’t while at work.
- Financial – Childcare is expensive. Parents may be able to save in lieu of paying the high cost of childcare.
- Flexibility – If the parents are called in to work on an off day, grandparents are generally ready, willing and able to take on whatever was planned for that day.
- Health – Many grandparents feel that their grandchildren keep them fit and to a grandchild no one can fix a cut or scrape better than a grandparent.
- Wisdom – Grandparents can impart great wisdom to your child in a way that is much more absorbable than if a parent tries to impart that same wisdom.
Having grandparents help raise your children is a mostly “pro” scenario, but no situation is a perfect one. Always have a childcare plan “B” in place in case Grandma and Grandpa need a day off.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.