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New study reveals advantages and disadvantages of childcare by grandparents
Research published in Health Economics suggests that regular child care by grandparents can reduce pressure on parents, but can also have negative effects on children's health. The study, based on data from more than 11,000 children and almost 9,000 parents in Germany, used the geographical distance between families...
New study reveals advantages and disadvantages of childcare by grandparents
Research published inHealth Economics points out that regular childcare by grandparents can reduce pressure on parents, but can also have negative effects on children's health.
The study, based on data from more than 11,000 children and nearly 9,000 parents in Germany, used the geographic distance between families and grandparents to determine the impact of regular grandparent care. Mothers reported being more satisfied with both their leisure time and child care (by 11% and 9%, respectively) when grandparent care was available. Fathers' satisfaction with child care also increased by 19%.
Some children who were regularly cared for by grandparents tended to have poorer overall health, at least in terms of the health indicators available for analysis. This was most evident among boys and primary school-aged children and may reflect differences in daily routines and activities between grandparent care and care in formal daycare or after-school settings.
The findings highlight the central role of grandparent care in families’ care arrangements and the significant benefits it offers to parents of young children.”
Elena Ziege, young scientist, Federal Institute for Population Research (BIB)
Sources:
Barschkett, M.,et al. (2025). The Generational Gift: The Effects of Grandparental Care on the Next Generations' Health and Well‐Being.Health Economics. DOI:10.1002/hec.70054. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/hec.70054.