Grandparents play a special role in a child’s life. Beyond birthday visits and holiday hugs, they’re often a steady, loving presence that shapes how children see family, history and themselves. We wanted to explore why grandparents are so important for childhood, and share some fun ways grandkids and grandparents can connect.
What Parents Think
We asked MyKidsTime parents how involved their own parents were in their children’s lives. Here’s what some of them told us:
“My parents are lifesavers, they mind my kids 8.30-4.30 Mon to Fri with the very odd evening thrown in for a cinema night. They did this even when both did shift work, but both are retired now, in a way, from work. The in-laws get visited weekly too.”- “We’re American expats living in Ireland. We have a toddler and just brought home twins. No family around at all. We video call every weekend, but that’s it. If we were back home, or they were here, they’d be a constant in our children’s lives. Alas, it’s just the two of us and no one else to help out.”
- “My mother-in-law is fantastic, comes over every second day and the kids love her to bits. My parents video call almost every day from Sydney, so the kids still see them every day and tell them what they’ve been up to. When we visit for Christmas this year, they won’t be standoffish, because it’s like they share breakfast with us even though they haven’t physically seen them in 18 months.”
- “We are so blessed, on both sides. We live right next door to my in-laws so we see them every day, and my own parents only live 8 miles away. Both sets are brilliant at babysitting and helping out, and when you have three kids that’s really helpful. I really don’t know how people manage with no family living nearby. We are one of the lucky families.”
- “My parents see my two daughters every weekend. My dad comes and collects us on a Friday when school has finished and brings us home on a Sunday evening. They try to be involved as much as possible.”
- “My mother has looked after my kids since they were babies, and I went back to work at 3 months with my first child and 8 months with my second. My mother gives my two breakfast on weekday mornings, dresses my little one, drops my 6-year-old to school and my 2-and-a-half-year-old to playschool three mornings a week, and collects them. I would be lost without them. My dad works himself so only sees them every few days, but always makes time for them no matter what. They adore my parents.”
Why are Grandparents important?
Research confirms how important grandparents are for their grandchildren.
The Growing Up in Ireland Study shows that grandparents are important sources of support and influence for children and their parents.
Grandparent involvement with grandchildren is also positively associated with wellbeing and satisfaction for grandparents themselves. Grandparents raising grandchildren is a common feature of family life today, too.
Two themes emerged in children’s descriptions of their grandparents:
1. First, grandparents were primarily seen as informal providers of childcare. Grandparents were frequently involved in children’s daily routines and looked after them after school. Regular contact helped foster close relationships.
2. Secondly, alongside caregiving, grandparents were also a source of fun and companionship.
These findings highlight the role grandparents play in buffering families from stress, caring for and nurturing grandchildren, and supporting parents in their parenting role. For most children, grandparents are a positive influence in their lives.
Things Grandparents & Grandkids Can Do Together
We’ve put together two simple projects to enjoy together.
Project 1 – Interview your Grandparent
Grandparents, ask your grandchild to interview you about your childhood. Grandkids, ask your nanna or pappa if you can interview them about theirs.
Here are some questions to get you started:
1. What was your favourite toy as a child?
2. What was your favourite game to play as a child?
3. What memories do you have of celebrating a birthday as a child?
4. What was your favourite meal as a child?
Project 2 – Pass on a Skill
Have fun with your grandchild by teaching them something you know well and learned yourself when you were younger. Or maybe your grandchild can teach you a tech skill they’ve picked up.
For example:
- Teach them how to knit or crochet
- Show them how to make scones or another favourite recipe
- Share something you enjoy doing regularly
- Let them show you how to send an email or scan a photo on the computer
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are grandparents important for a child’s development?
Grandparents offer children extra love, stability and a sense of family history. Research shows they’re often closely involved in daily routines and act as an important source of comfort, fun and support alongside parents.
How much should grandparents be involved in raising grandchildren?
There’s no single right answer — every family’s situation is different, depending on distance, work schedules and personal circumstances. What matters most is regular, meaningful contact, whether that’s daily childcare help or a weekly video call.
What can grandparents and grandchildren do together to bond?
Simple, shared activities work best: interviewing each other about childhood memories, teaching one another a skill (from baking to using a smartphone), or just spending regular time together in everyday routines.
What if grandchildren live far away from their grandparents?
Many families stay close despite distance through regular video calls, letters, and visits when possible. Consistent contact, even remotely, helps maintain a strong bond.
Related Articles
- Fun Family Bonding Activities to Try This Weekend
- Keeping Family Close When You Live Far Apart
- Simple Ways to Celebrate Grandparents with Your Kids
Save These Ideas for Later
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We’d love to hear from you: what role do grandparents play in your family? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
