Raising Your Children With Their Grandparents Is An Incredibly Valuable Gift, According To Research

Sep 05, 2018

If your grandchildren are lucky enough to have grandparents involved in their life, you already know what a blessing it can be. Grandparents help out in difficult financial times. They provide extra adult role models. They let your children experience even more love. In a recent study, scientists found even more benefits of the grandchild and grandparent relationship.

Several studies have found that your kids will grow up to be happier and healthier if they have a good relationship with grandma and grandpa. One study of more than 350 pairs showed that children are happier in adulthood if their grandparents could offer security during childhood.

A different study found that teens and preteens are less likely to be depressed if they get along with their grandparents. Sadly, this doesn’t mean you have to let grandparents be involved. Not every papa or mama is a good influence. If your parents are dramatic, negative or critical, it could have a negative effect on your kids.

Can your kids control their emotions? Do they have a lot of friends and generally get along with others? These are signs of emotional intelligence or EQ. EQ is an important trait from the playground to the boardroom. Kind, likable people do better in life. What does this have to do with grandparents?

A study at Pace University investigated. The researcher examined 186 adults. She found that the adults who were close to their grandparents as kids had higher EQs as adults. What do you think about that finding? How do your parents encourage your kids to be kinder or more sensitive to others?

If you think about it, this makes sense. Grandparents might be dealing with health issues or struggling to understand how to use the remote control. Kids learn patience and empathy by spending time with them. How did your grandparents make you a better person?

Grandkids aren’t the only ones who benefit. As U.S. News & World Report documents, grandparents are less depressed, calmer and happier if they hang out with grandchildren. The next time your mom or dad complains about having to babysit, say you’re just trying to boost their mood!

Caregiving grandparents can also live longer. Elderly people tend to lose their friends over time. Being retired can mean long hours sitting on the couch watching daytime television. Grandkids bring new life with them. Studies have found that grandparents live longer when they spend more time with their grandchildren. Talk about amazing!

What do you think? Are grandchildren little angels from heaven in the golden years? Let us know your experiences in the comments and show this article to a grandparent you know!

Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation with your doctor. Your health is important to us!