Why being a grandparent has positive effects on your mental health and overall well-being.

As a grandparent, you hold a special place in the family structure. Your wisdom, experience, and unconditional love have a profound impact on the lives of your children and grandchildren. 

“And how does this relate to retirement planning?”, you may ask.   Well, being an involved grandparent requires time, attention, and for some- travel and financial means.     

In today’s society, where families often lead busy lives, the role of a grandparent has evolved and expanded to become more important than ever.  Once retired, grandparents tend to have a little free time on their hands and can help families navigate hectic schedules; especially when both parents work.  As a grandparent, you can sometimes provide a wider support network for your own children.  For example, some grandparents help provide after school care or will participate in commuting kids to sports activities and so on.  This not only gives a grandparent extra quality time with the grandchildren but can help relieve both stress and financial burden from the household.   

Regardless of the supporting roles you may play in your children’s and grandchildren’s lives, the most important part of being a grandparent is the experience, for all of you! 

Being a grandparent comes with many benefits. According to a few recent articles quoting and surveying grandparents across various sources, some of the best things about being a grandparent include: 

• Watching your family grow from near and far 
• Unconditional love, without the responsibilities 
• Children can re-energize you 
• An opportunity for mischief and memories 
• You become a valuable resource to your family 
• Sharing stories and old photos 
• Experiencing the ‘firsts’ 
• You don’t have to change diapers 
• Your job is to play with your grandkids and appreciate the magic of a developing mind. 

Boy, isn’t this all true!  And as such, according to Psychology Today, being a grandparent can also have positive effects on your mental health and well-being, especially in retirement. Sometimes when we retire, we can go through a period where we struggle to find our place.  However, some people feel as though being a grandparent gives them a new sense of purpose and fulfillment. 

The flip side is of course the impact you can have on your grandchildren and the unique contributions you can make to their lives.   

Dr Alan Ralph, Head of Training and Clinical Psychologist at Triple P International, and a grandparent himself, stated in a recent publication, “Nowadays, grandparents tend to live longer and stay active more than in previous generations. This can create a broader range of experiences and expertise to draw on by both parents and children.”  He went on to describe how this might play out in the lives of you and your grandchildren:   

– Mentorship: Grandparents often step into a mentorship role, offering guidance and advice that is distinct from what parents can provide. They’ve “been there, done that”, and their life experiences can be educational and sometimes entertaining for grandchildren navigating their own life’s challenges.  

– Resilience and coping skills: Grandparents can share how they’ve specifically overcome obstacles and dealt with life’s ups and downs. This can help instill a sense of resilience, strength, and teach practical coping skills to their grandchildren.  

– Emotional support and wisdom: Grandparents have the experience and wisdom that is both beneficial but also essential for a child’s development. Their stories and life lessons can enrich the child’s perspective and offer a deeper understanding of the world around them.  

– Family traditions: They are usually seen as the bridge to the family’s history and culture. Through stories, traditions, and family rituals, grandparents can share this sense of belonging and identity with their grandchildren, which is key in shaping their values and beliefs.  

– Unconditional love: The love between grandparents and their grandchildren is pure and unconditional. It’s a relationship that’s less about discipline and more about acceptance. They offer a safe space, where children feel heard and valued, which can be incredibly reassuring and comforting for them.  

– Learning: Grandparents often have the patience and time that parents might struggle to find. They can participate with their grandchildren in many learning activities: from reading and playing games to gardening and cooking, which in return support children with both intellectual and practical skills.  

Now, grandparenting is not all hopscotch and ice cream.  There can be challenges as you learn to navigate shifting relationships, difference in parenting styles, and the new issues of today that you may not have had to face when your children were growing up (ie. Social Media, Gaming, Health & Safety Risks, etc).  But, with some open communication and a little flexibility, you can build strong and positive relationships with your adult children and grandchildren. 

When you are preparing for your retirement years, don’t forget to plan for the “extras” you might want or need if you one day step into the role of grandparent.  Will you want to have the time to participate and help with daily activities?  Would you like to have the financial means to take your grandchild to the zoo, or out to eat, or on a fun trip from time to time?  Would Nana like to host a sleepover or would Pop like to plan a camp-out in the backyard on occasion? Life offers many joys.  With a little financial planning, time, and a whole lotta love, this is surely one of them! 

1 The essential do’s and don’ts for first time grandparents - Starts at 60 | Pub. 10/12/2023 

2 The Value of Being a Grandparent - Psychology Today | Pub. 05/18/2020