Grandchildren and Grandparents: A Dynamic Duo!

Lately I have been seeing a lot of information on the mental health benefits of grandchildren-grandparent relationships. I see the joy being a grandparent brings my sister, and how much her grandchildren love being around her and her husband. So is it just my observations or are there real mental health benefits to these relationships that are based on research and expert resources? And who is benefitting, the grandchildren, the grandparents, or both? Let’s find out.

Benefits for Grandchildren

There are several resources that document the mental health benefits grandchildren-grandparent relationships have on grandchildren. These benefits are briefly presented below, with links to resources for you to explore. 

1. Emotional Support and Security: A close, positive relationship with grandparents offers children emotional stability, unconditional love, and reassurance, which supports confidence and self-worth. This can help reduce stress and anxiety during difficult times. 
2. Better Emotional Well-Being and Resilience: Children who have supportive grandparent relationships tend to develop stronger emotional resilience and coping skills. These bonds can help buffer stress and promote mental health as children grow and develop.
3. Long-Term Emotional Wellbeing: Research shows that support from grandparents during childhood is associated with greater emotional wellbeing in emerging adulthood. 
4. Reduced Loneliness, Depression, and Stress: Affectionate communication and a strong sense of family identity linked to close grandparent bonds are correlated with less loneliness, fewer depressive symptoms, and lower stress among adult grandchildren.

Benefits for Grandparents

In addition to the benefits for grandchildren, there are several resources that identify the mental health benefits these relationships have on grandparents. You can read more about such benefits at the websites linked below.

1. Improved Mental Health: Grandparents who interact regularly with grandchildren often report lower levels of depression, greater happiness, and reduced feelings of loneliness compared with those who are more socially isolated.
2. Cognitive Engagement: Engaging with grandchildren, whether through play, conversation, storytelling, or learning new things (like games and technology), can help keep grandparents mentally active, which may support cognitive health.
3. Sense of Purpose and Resilience: The role of being a grandparent can enhance a sense of purpose and psychological resilience, contributing positively to emotional health and coping with life changes. 
4. Lower Depression Risk When Interactions Are Reciprocal: Studies suggest that when grandparents can both give and receive support in their relationships with grandchildren, they experience fewer depressive symptoms. 

Mutual Benefits Across Generations:

Not surprising, there are also resources that document benefits to both grandchildren and grandparents. 

1. Fewer Depressive Symptoms for Both: Strong emotional attachment between grandparents and grandchildren has been linked to fewer symptoms of depression for both generations. 
2. Shared Support Is Key: Healthy intergenerational relationships, especially when support is two-way rather than one-directional, are more strongly tied to positive mental health outcomes than relationships where only one side gives support.

Does Living Closer to Each Other Matter?

You may be wondering if living closer to family members matters? You bet! Living closer to family provides significant mental health benefits by fostering a strong sense of belonging, reducing loneliness, and offering consistent emotional support. Proximity increases opportunities for in-person connection, which helps manage stress, lower anxiety levels, and provide practical assistance in daily life. It also promotes intergenerational bonding and strengthens family support systems. 

Key mental health benefits of living close to family include:

• Reduced Loneliness and Isolation: Proximity ensures a consistent, accessible support system that combats isolation.
• Lower Stress and Anxiety: Close family support acts as a buffer against stress, leading to lower anxiety levels, particularly for parents.
• Enhanced Emotional Security: Regular interaction provides a sense of belonging, safety, and being understood.
• Increased Support System: Nearby family members can help with daily tasks, offering practical help that reduces the burden of responsibility, especially for aging relatives or those with children.
• Better Cognitive and Emotional Health in Seniors: For older adults, proximity to family maintains active lifestyles, provides purpose, and reduces the risk of poorer mental health.
• Improved Resilience: Strong, proximate family bonds create a supportive environment that helps members navigate life challenges and build emotional resilience.
• Increased Self-Esteem: A supportive family environment fosters positive self-worth and a stronger sense of identity. 

However, for these benefits to be realized, the family relationships should be positive, as high-conflict relationships can have the opposite effect on mental health. 

Singapore’s Unique Incentive 

Given the key mental health benefits of living close to family Singapore has introduced a unique incentive, offering up to $22,000 to encourage families to live closer together. The goal goes beyond housing; this initiative focuses on increasing positive childhood development and emotional growth.

Research shows that children who grow up near their grandparents benefit from more stable support networks. Regular interaction with extended family provides additional emotional guidance, modeling, and reassurance. These interactions help children regulate emotions, manage stress, and navigate social situations more effectively.

Studies indicate that children raised close to grandparents demonstrate stronger emotional regulation compared to peers without this support. Grandparents often provide nurturing, consistent care, and life experience that reinforces healthy coping mechanisms. These advantages contribute to resilience and long-term wellbeing.

Summary

It is clear from reading the information in the above resources that there are real mental health benefits to grandchildren-grandparent relationships, both for grandchildren and grandparents. In addition, proximity to family strengthens bonds and encourages intergenerational learning. Children gain confidence, social skills, and empathy by observing and interacting with different generations, and grandparents can act as mentors, role models, and additional sources of love and stability. If you are interested in reading more on this topic here are some additional resources. 

• www.joinupside.com/blog/living-near-family/
• edenranch.com/the-enduring-value-of-intergenerational-proximity-living-closer-actually-matters/
• www.darlingpsychology.com/the-power-of-family-bondings
• www.child-focus.org/news/the-impact-of-positive-relationships-on-mental-health-and-well-being/
• dellroseliving.com/the-benefits-of-moving-closer-to-family/
• isr.umich.edu/news-events/news-releases/new-paper-explores-the-impact-of-family-ties-on-older-adults/
• www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-science-of-siblings/202501/the-lifelong-benefits-of-a-close-sibling-relationship
• pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12320053/