Grandparents were surveyed, by the charity Ready Generations, working with the University of Sterling and not-for-profit care village operator Belong, about how their role had changed as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. In the report, ‘Care to the Nest’, grandparents stated that:
- 98 per cent spent considerably less time with their grandchildren over the course of the pandemic despite childcare bubbles.
- 98 per cent had grandchildren to stay for regular sleepovers before the pandemic. This has dropped to 25 per cent.
- 12 per cent had not seen their grandchildren at all during the pandemic.
- 72 per cent felt that their enjoyment of time spent with their grandchildren was of great importance to them but connecting virtually was not as rewarding because the physical closeness was missing.
The invaluable role of grandparents in providing childcare was also highlighted by the research. More than a third of those surveyed provided at least one form of childcare on a regular basis pre-pandemic. This has reduced considerably as the pandemic has progressed, despite the Government’s allowance for childcare bubbles.
Grandparents’ roles in the lives of grandchildren and its potential to impact positively on well-being was also explored as part of the research.
The majority of grandparents identified with a range of support responsibilities. Nearly three quarters identified strongly with companionship accountabilities (including being a friend, story-teller and entertainer). Grandparents most identified with being a listener.
Well over half saw themselves as providing instructional support (defined as being a mentor, disciplinarian and emotional nurturer), with 75 per cent reporting taking on the roles of problem solver and ‘wise elder’. More than half said that they gave practical support, such as financial assistance, transport and health advice.
Pre-covid, spending time outdoors was ranked amongst activities grandparents most enjoyed sharing with their grandchildren, closely followed by teaching life skills, such as baking.
Spending time with grandchildren
Source: Ready Generations - Care to the nest report
Commenting on the survey results, Sue Egersdorff, founder of Ready Generations, said, ‘The data presents a rich picture of the role grandparents play in modern family life and the unique nature of their relationship with grandchildren.
‘It highlights the urgency of rekindling intergenerational connections as we emerge from the pandemic as they matter so much to both grandparents and their grandchildren.’
Deputy chief executive of Belong, Tracy Paine said that the report emphasises the need for new models of care to facilitate intergenerational interactions, which bring mutual benefits to both older and younger people.
She announced that, in collaboration with Ready Generations, they are preparing to launch an ‘intergenerational care village’ next year, which will incorporate a nursery.
- Belong, Ready Generations and the University of Stirling are hosting a free webinar on 25 March to explore the study’s findings. Register at: https://bit.ly/3c1KMFK
