Over the past few decades, increased attention has been paid to grandparenthood. This emphasis on the role of grandparents results from social changes such as increased life span, divorce, one-parent families as well as mobility.

Grandparents have traditionally been seen as nurturers and supporters to their children and grandchildren. The delight of becoming a grandparent is apparently unequalled. However magical it may have been to have one’s own children, there is something special about one’s children’s kids. Grand-parents may enjoy the fun of being with them without all the responsibilities. It may be that, with experience, they view their grandchildren with new eyes.

Most grandchildren enjoy a special relationship with their grandparents. Some can be physically present if they live in the same town or country. They spend time together after school or during the holidays. They take them out, play with them and thus have a direct influence. Grandchildren often look up to their grandparents as role models. They are often the ones that offer unconditional support.

Many welcome grandchildren as one of life’s great gifts but not having grandchildren close by can be a hardship. Fortunately, modern communications can help create and keep strong connections. With the Internet and digital cameras, grandparents may be thousands of miles away, but they can still be wonderful grandparents!

Grandparent relationships have survived the hardships of fractured families and provide a haven to many children in distress. Some grandparents may find themselves parenting once again, as circumstances make them take over the full time care of grandchildren.

Around five million children in the United States live in households headed by a grandparent and more than one million have no parent present. This dual role of parent and grandparent has arisen from the increase in the incidence of young parents in economic hardship, mentally ill, divorced, incarcerated, drug abusers, or who have abandoned, abused or neglected their children. In Africa, grandparents are increasingly becoming the primary caregivers of AIDS-affected grandchildren.

Divorce sometimes hurts more than just the couple that splits up. Many grandparents have ‘lost’ a beloved grandchild because of a divorce, where the parent with custody ‘punishes’ also the in-laws.

Grandparents are often regarded as the cement that keeps families together and the source of inspiration for values. Many writers have stressed on their importance in the transmission of family stories and customs. Grandchildren exposed to such contact are in later life at ease with the elderly and more connected to their families.

Adult grandchildren often speak of the memorable role of grandparents on their lives and of the lessons learned from them. Many countries have now established special days on the calendar to honour grandparents. There are numerous web sites offering advice on grandparenthood. There are even support groups and information on grandparents’ rights.

Though their life conditions have changed a lot with better healthcare, working lives and careers, today’s grandparents are no different from their own grandparents when it comes to boasting about their ‘amazing’ grandchildren.