Grandparenting benefits us all

Abstract

For many, grandparenting is a joy. We get to spend time with children without all the worries and stresses that accompanied our parenting. And let's face it, when the grandchildren get a bit too much we know that they will go home and we can collapse with a glass of wine and a good book and chill out. Grandparenting is rather like another life stage - one that many of my generation see as an important step in their life stories. There is research suggesting that achieving that life stage is an important step in maintaining a positive self-identity and wellbeing (Mahne & Huxhold, 2012). Grandparents who have a good relationship with their grandchildren and feel in control of that relationship have better wellbeing (Keeling, 2012).