Abuela and Abuelo, Opa and Oma, Yia Yia and Papou, Babushka and Dedushka, Nana and Papa, or Grandma and Grandpa. No matter what names you use, the benefits of having and being grandparents are clear.
A 2009 study showed that children who have a strong relationship with their grandparents had fewer negative mental issues such as anxiety or depression. This was particularly true when looking at single parent families. In homes with one parent, children did best when they fostered a relationship with grandparents. Grandparents provide a sense of support and love. They often contribute time and financial support to families when there is need. This can provide a sense of security to grandkids —knowing that nana always has your back. There is also an inter-generational bond between grandkids and grandparents. Been there; done that. There is no manual to being a parent. Often, it’s trial and error. Grandparents have this lived experience, so they can handle most parenting situations. They also have a wealth of experience and knowledge that is so valuable to fostering relationships with grandkids.
Clearly there are advantages to a young family of grandparenting. I will make the important distinction between grandparenting and ‘babysitting.’ Whenever a grandparent tells me that they are babysitting, I ask, “Do they pay you by the hour and all the popsicles you can eat? No? Then you are grandparenting not babysitting.
To the grandparents, there are also health benefits. The Berlin Aging Study (BASE) looked at the mental and physical health of over 500 individuals 70 to 100 years old. It found that seniors who provided some care to grandchildren lived longer and had better health overall. Make no mistake, looking after kids is hard work. It is physically demanding. My brother recently was blessed with his first granddaughter; she adores her grampa because he gets on the floor with her, has tea and gives piggyback rides. This benefits him as it can be a physical workout so he can skip the gym. And according to a 2018 report from the American Academy of Paediatrics, adults can “re-experience or reawaken the joy of their own childhood and rejuvenate themselves” leading to enhance mental and psychological well-being.
Sunday, September 8th is officially Grandparents’ Day, but it seems insignificant as we should be honouring and celebrating grandparents 365 days a year. Take care of yourselves and each other.
By: Steve Bond, BScPhm, RPh, CDE, FASCP
