Publish at December 17 2025 Updated December 17 2025
The role of grandparent has a special aura in our society. For a long time, they were the ones who came before, who had acquired so much experience that they could share it with their children and grandchildren. Then came the notion of pampering often associated with this role. For grandparents, grandchildren are an opportunity to relive the life of a toddler without having to endure, in general, the inconveniences such as lack of sleep, stress, routines to be established, etc. It's parenthood without its inconveniences. It's parenthood without the hassle.
Little ones also see Grandma and Grandpa as warm-hearted individuals who have no problem breaking parental rules or offering food or gifts more often than their parents.
It's easy to forget, but grandparents play a vital role in a child's upbringing. In fact, they are an important emotional presence in the lives of toddlers and as they grow up. They are often more patient, and know how to put problems and mistakes into perspective, being more benevolent than parents who, despite wanting to do well, can succumb to the stress of performance. What's more, some experts have noted that Generation Z (people born between 1997 and 2012) are probably the furthest removed from their grandparents. They are more geographically isolated from their grandparents, and rely more on friendships and romantic relationships. Which is a shame, because they miss out on trusted adults who can help them achieve their goals, whatever they may be.
In fact, we often tend to underestimate the impact of grandparents in children's lives, even though their role can be as much to entertain as to teach. They can pass on knowledge that is sometimes more traditional, share family recipes and stories from their youth, so that younger generations understand the major changes taking place in society. They are the bridge between the skills passed on by parents and what is taught at school.
Of course, this has to take place in a healthy family context. People who have physically or psychologically abused their children cannot expect to be "allowed to visit" grandchildren decades later. The role must also be played with respect for the parents, being there as a benevolent actor who wants to be an ally rather than a judge. On the other hand, children who have become parents shouldn't see their parents only as babysitters when they're busy.
Can this role of emotional and educational support have repercussions on educational progress?
A German study in 2025 looked into this question, and it seems that the impact is not very visible. That is to say, some children whose grandparents were present, among other things, to help with homework saw very slight increases in results, but nothing spectacular. Nevertheless, research tends to show that the presence of grandparents in students' lives can only be positive when it's healthy, affectionate and when the elders get involved with activities, help, etc.
Grandparents can be important pillars, for example, when parents separate. Without interfering directly in the break-up, they can provide an emotional foundation and a degree of stability in a more difficult period. Alternatively, in less dramatic contexts, they can be useful during summer vacations when the start of the new school year is approaching. They can serve as a source of motivation for younger children, creating excitement and getting involved in the countdown to the big back-to-school moment. They can also help parents with school preparation, support parents with household chores during this period, or keep children occupied while they complete the various formalities associated with school.
Not to mention that, in some cases, grandparents are the children's legal guardians. In such cases, they need to understand the current school system, establish links with educational staff, and so on. On these occasions, they have to act like parents, establishing routines, helping with homework and other necessary tasks.
References
Albrecht, Lauriane. "What is the role of grandparents in raising children today?" Hello Merlin. Last updated September 1, 2025. https://www.hello-merlin.com/2025/07/04/quel-est-le-role-des-grands-parents-dans-leducation-des-enfants-aujourdhui/.
Botton, Guillaume. "Grandparents who do these 3 things see their grandchildren gain 0.5 pt average." Parents.fr. Last updated July 20, 2025. https://www.parents.fr/actualites/enfant/le-soutien-des-grands-parents-a-t-il-un-effet-sur-les-resultats-scolaires-des-enfants-une-etude-repond-1137673.
Duflos, Mathilde. "Mentors and confidants, these grandparents who help young people grow up." The Conversation. Last updated: December 18, 2024. https://theconversation.com/mentors-et-confidents-ces-grands-parents-qui-aident-les-jeunes-a-grandir-243724.
"Grandma and grandpa - simply irreplaceable." FAMILIENPORTAL.NRW. Last updated April 14, 2025. https://www.familienportal.nrw/fr/grands-parents/grand-mere-et-grand-pere-tout-simplement-irremplacables.
"How grandparents can boost back-to-school spirits for their grandkids." Grand Magazine. Accessed December 14, 2025. https://www.grandmagazine.com/2025/07/how-grandparents-can-boost-back-to-school-spirits-for-their-grandkids/.
"How grandparents can help with back-to-school without overwhelming families." More Than Grand. Last updated August 15, 2025. https://www.morethangrand.com/blog/grandparent-back-to-school-help.
"The role of grandparents must be better recognized." Franceinfo. Last updated: April 27, 2025. https://www.radiofrance.fr/franceinfo/podcasts/question-d-education/le-role-des-grands-parents-doit-etre-mieux-reconnu-4599226.
"When parental separation impacts schooling: how can grandparents really help their grandchildren?" Journal Des Seniors. Last updated: October 29, 2025. https://journaldesseniors.20minutes.fr/famille/quand-la-separation-des-parents-impacte-la-scolarite-comment-les-grands-parents-peuvent-vraiment-aider-leurs-petits-enfants/.
"The role of grandparents in school children's lives." All Saints Grammar. Last updated: September 23, 2025. https://www.allsaints.nsw.edu.au/the-role-of-grandparents-in-school-childrens-lives/.
Sénéchal, Jeanne. "Today's grandparents are under unprecedented pressure." Le Figaro. Last updated: March 8, 2025. https://www.lefigaro.fr/actualite-france/aujourd-hui-devenir-grand-parent-est-un-exercice-d-humilite-20250308.
Whitney, Tracy. "The grandparents' guide to back to school." Creating a Family. Last updated: September 4, 2025. https://creatingafamily.org/blog/the-grandparents-guide-to-back-to-school/.
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