If you have had a close relationship with your grandparents, you probably realise how important this relationship is. Grandparents are like second parents to a child, but frankly, they are much more than that.
And while it’s undeniable that having a grandparent present is wonderful for a grandchild, you may not know that the benefits go far beyond that. According to a recent study, children who are close to their grandparents are much happier and more secure as human beings.
Researcher and professor Ann Buchanan, from the Department of Social Policy and Intervention, found that a high level of involvement with grandparents ultimately increases a child’s overall well-being.
For her study, 1,500 children were observed to determine the links between grandparents and children’s mental health.
In this study, Buchanan was able to show that high grandparent involvement could be directly correlated with reduced adjustment difficulties. This relationship was particularly true in situations of divorce or separation.
In addition, they found that grandparents have different roles, with grandmothers being a more nurturing presence and grandfathers serving as mentors.
While this fact alone makes parents want grandparents to be more present in their children’s lives, the story does not end there. This relationship is not only beneficial for the children, but also for the grandparents. According to one study, grandparents who look after their grandchildren have a 37% lower risk of mortality than other grandparents who have no responsibility for their grandchildren.
