Recent research highlights the profound impact that grandparents can have on their grandchildren’s lives, providing valuable support and guidance. Children with active grandparents in their lives are generally happier and healthier, benefiting from their wisdom, humor, and reliability as caregivers.

A study in The Gerontologist found that a strong connection between grandparents and grandchildren can reduce depression symptoms in both. Grandparents also provide an additional emotional outlet for children, who may feel more comfortable expressing feelings and accepting guidance from them than from their parents.

Grandparents play a crucial role in preserving and conveying family heritage. They help grandchildren understand their family history, thereby strengthening their sense of identity. They also offer invaluable life lessons, acquired through years of experience, helping grandchildren develop resilience and competence.

The grandparent-grandchild relationship is mutually beneficial. Children with engaged grandparents show higher overall well-being, and grandparents caring for grandchildren often live longer. Grandparents provide a sense of stability, offering unwavering love and support regardless of the circumstances.

Grandparents can bring humor to the process of aging and make excellent companions for children, providing a less pressure-filled relationship than parents. They serve as role models, practicing and promoting moral values and traditions. Grandparents can also offer a glimpse into past fashions and etiquette, demonstrating the art of dressing up for special occasions.

The learning process isn’t one-sided; grandchildren can introduce grandparents to new technologies and social trends, strengthening their bond. Grandparents are often very responsive and open to learning from younger generations.

They are also naturally nurturing, ensuring their grandchildren’s needs are met, from food to clothing. An AGA survey revealed that 72% of grandparents consider their role the most significant and fulfilling aspect of their lives, actively participating in their grandchildren’s activities.

Grandparents teach the value of living in the present, cherishing milestones as they understand how quickly children grow up. They offer unlimited and unconditional love, an invaluable aspect of the grandparent-grandchild relationship. Ultimately, the most crucial reason why children need grandparents is simply that they are family, providing unwavering love and devotion.