What value do grandparents have in family relationships

Grandparents have qualitative and quantitative value

Carol Forsloff  Grandparents may be more valuable than many people think.  In fact not only is there emotional value in having grandparents, but the value can be quantified as well. 

The value comes with child care while parents take vacations and when they work.  That is the time grandparents often step in and assume the responsibility for caring for the children.


The estimate in the UK several years ago is that grandparents save parents around $806 million in terms of the GDP in childcare costs this summer, new research reveals today.

Grandparents who take care of those little ones could cost out of pocket for parents $558 million if they had to pay for it.

A study in 2010 study found that over half (60%) of the 12.5 million over 50s grandparents across the UK, equivalent to 7.5 million grandparents,regularly provide childcare for the grandchildren. Of these grandparentsproviding childcare, 50% claim these important duties increase, often substantially, during the school summer holidays in July and August, as parents rely on them to look after their grandchildren.

That's a lot of savings and help for families.

And a lot of value for having grandparents. But there is more to that value than money can buy.

The bond between grandparent and child helps teach the child the value of relationships.  It helps to shape a child's attitude toward what normal relationships are like.  The grandparent offers a view of longevity in relationships, the fact that there can be a permanence to them. And when children recognize the value of those bonds, it helps to maintain the family core., according to the experts.  And when there is stress in the family, it often helps the child maintain a sense of stability.

Grandparents also play a role in the develop of their grandchildren, as research has shown they help improve a child's intellectual functioning and their appreciation of everyday life.

There are many factors that help in shaping a happy family life.  Experts remind us grandparents are among those key factors and to be appreciated for their value.