Grandparents' role in child development

Child psychologists highlight the essential role grandparents play in the development of children, emphasizing that their involvement requires understanding and careful navigation, especially in their relationship with their adult children who have become parents.

Support from grandparents

Maya Bousaini, a child psychologist for Parade, explains that grandparents can be a discreet but central pillar of the family system, particularly when they act as direct caregivers for their grandchildren, offering support to parents during school hours, holidays, or crisis periods.

Unconditional love and family values

Amy Kincaid Todey, also a child psychologist, emphasizes that grandparents provide unconditional love without the daily pressures of education. She notes that grandparents carry family stories, values, and a sense of identity that help grandchildren feel connected to something greater than themselves.

Respect and harmony with parents

Psychologists advise grandparents to interact with respect and empathy with their adult children to maintain harmony within the family. Brittney Pearson, a psychologist, supports this view, stating that grandparents can reduce the stress of their adult children, which positively affects how these parents interact with their own children.

Guidelines for grandparents

For the well-being of their grandchildren, psychologists have outlined five rules grandparents should follow. These include maintaining consistency in rules such as schedules, discipline, and screen time, respecting each child's individuality, prioritizing presence over performance, showing personal growth, and frequently sharing both the fun and difficult parts of the family story.