Early childhood education experts are encouraging Australians to acknowledge the role of grandparents play as caregivers in society.

With an ageing population and challenges with Australia’s childcare system, the University of South Australia’s Emeritus Professor Marjory Ebbeck says strong grandparent-child relationships can deliver reciprocal benefits for Australian families.
 
A study into intergenerational relationships in other countries led by Emeritus Professor Marjory Ebbeck found cultural differences between family life in Asian and Western societies, but the wisdom and knowledge that grandparents can share is universal. 
 
“In many Asian cultures, grandparents are very integrated into family life, often living with their children and playing an active role in their grandchildren’s education and development,” she says.
 
“While this immediately suggests benefits for working families – in the form of potential childcare – it also delivers significant value to grandparents by boosting their self-worth, social connections and wellness.
 
“In return, children enjoy a close and respectful relationship with grandparents, with the opportunity to learn more about their family culture and stories.
 
“In Singapore and Hong Kong there is still a strong Confucian tradition of filial piety and respect for the elderly, and this respect can lead to grandparents having a stronger sense of identity and purpose. These increased intergenerational interactions also provide more social connections for grandparents.
 
“In contrast, through necessity, many older Australians spend their later years away from their families with many of them in residential health care facilities.
 
“As a result, they’re often lonely and less involved with the grandchildren.”
 
According to UN data, one in six people in the world will be over 65 by 2050, up from one in 11 in 2019 – many of them will be grandparents.
 
Prof Ebbeck says close intergenerational ties could support both Australia’s oldest and youngest citizens.
 
“The grandparent-grandchild relationship isn’t a new phenomenon, but an increase in women in the workforce, the high cost of childcare and a range of other factors have seen many grandparents become critical caregivers,” Prof Ebbeck says.

“In an ageing society, where more parents are working longer, we must find ways to create synergies across generations.”

Do you play a major role looking after your grandchildren? How do you find it? What sort of things do you do with your grandkids that shape their attitudes and knowledge?