Scientific Findings on Grandparents’ Impact on Childhood Development
Some people have the privilege of knowing and spending time with their grandparents, while others may have had “surrogate grandparents” in the form of family friends, older neighbors, or other individuals who have filled that role. A study from the University of Oxford suggests that children who grow up with their grandparents tend to be happier and more secure. The bond between children and their grandparents extends beyond affection, storytelling, and games, playing a significant role in their emotional and psychological development. Research shows that children with strong relationships with their grandparents are less likely to experience depression.
### Benefits for both parties
In addition to mental health advantages, the relationship with grandparents is linked to improved empathy and reduced stress hormones. Grandparents who are actively involved in their grandchildren’s lives have a positive impact on their emotional resilience and overall well-being. Children who interact regularly with their grandparents develop a sense of belonging, reinforcing their identity, self-confidence, and empathy towards others.
Moreover, grandparents also benefit from the relationship by finding encouragement, reducing stress, and experiencing excitement and fulfillment. The intergenerational connection enriches both parties as the family history becomes intertwined with the grandchildren’s lives. Parents who foster their children’s relationships with their grandparents are nurturing individuals who are more understanding, empathetic, confident, and emotionally intelligent.
