Most parents want the same thing: for their children to grow up happy, confident, and able to handle life’s challenges.
Yet many families are trying to achieve that goal while juggling busy schedules, endless responsibilities, and increasing concerns about children’s emotional well-being.
As rates of anxiety, loneliness, and emotional distress continue to rise among young people, experts are looking beyond schools and healthcare systems for answers.
One psychologist believes part of the solution may already exist within many families. Drawing on more than four decades of clinical experience, Dr. Kenneth Barish of Weill Cornell Medicine argues that grandparents and extended family members can play a powerful role in helping children develop emotional resilience, reports News Medical.
His conclusions, outlined in his book The Art and Science of Parenting and Grandparenting, are supported by research in child development, psychology, and neuroscience.
A missing source of support
According to Dr. Barish, modern family life has changed significantly over the past several decades. Many children spend less time with grandparents and extended relatives than previous generations did, while families increasingly focus on individual achievement and performance.
Researchers have linked intense pressure to succeed with higher levels of anxiety, depression, and emotional strain among young people. In contrast, children often benefit from feeling connected to a wider support network that provides encouragement, understanding, and a sense of belonging.
Why grandparents matter
Grandparents can offer something that busy parents may struggle to provide every day: unhurried attention. Experts suggest that children gain confidence when they know there is someone willing to listen, offer reassurance, and help them work through problems.
These relationships can also create opportunities for meaningful conversations, shared experiences, and positive memories. Simple moments spent together may help children feel less isolated and more secure when facing challenges.
The importance of encouragement
One of the key observations from Dr. Barish’s work is that children often respond better to support than criticism. Rather than focusing heavily on mistakes or outcomes, experts recommend encouraging effort, learning, and perseverance.
Children who feel understood and supported are often better equipped to manage setbacks, build healthy relationships, and develop a stronger sense of self-worth.
As concerns about youth mental health continue to grow, researchers increasingly point to the importance of strong family connections. For many children, the presence of a caring grandparent may be far more valuable than families realize.
