Grandparents often do more than share stories and traditions—they can help children develop emotional resilience and wellbeing. Research from Harvard’s Center on the Developing Child emphasizes that dependable, nurturing relationships with adults help children handle stress and regulate emotions. Children with stable, caring adults in their lives develop stronger social skills, better emotional control, and greater confidence when facing challenges.
A national poll from the University of Michigan’s National Poll on Healthy Aging suggests the benefits go both ways. Among adults 50 and older with grandchildren, 72 percent report they hardly ever feel isolated, compared with 62 percent of adults without grandchildren. Many grandparents provide care regularly, nearly half care for grandchildren at least once every few months, and one in five see their grandchildren almost daily. This ongoing contact strengthens family bonds, provides emotional stability for children, and supports grandparents’ own sense of purpose and connection.
Grandparents’ consistent presence can help stabilize a child’s stress response, support emotional regulation, and promote secure attachment. When children spend meaningful time with grandparents, they gain practical support, guidance, and a sense of belonging, while grandparents benefit emotionally as well.
Families can further support children’s wellbeing by practicing safe storage. Medications, cannabis, alcohol, and other substances should always be kept securely and out of reach of youth. Safe storage reduces the risk of misuse or accidental exposure and helps create a safer environment for both children and grandparents.
Together, research shows that strong intergenerational relationships provide a foundation of support that promotes emotional health and resilience for children while also enhancing grandparents’ wellbeing.
Want to support your child’s healthy choices at home? Check out Guiding Good Choices, a free program that helps families strengthen communication, set boundaries, and guide kids toward positive decisions.
Sources:
https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/report/three-principles-to-improve-outcomes-for-children-and-families/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
https://ihpi.umich.edu/news-events/news/grandparents-help-grandkids-many-ways-reverse-may-be-true-too-poll-suggests
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