A woman expresses frustration with her in-laws who frequently visit but seem more interested in their own activities than bonding with their grandchildren, and are planning to leave early on her son's birthday without celebrating with him. The advice suggests setting boundaries on visits, encouraging grandparents to engage more with the children, and handling the birthday situation delicately by not sharing irritation with the child.
A mother expresses disappointment in her parents and in-laws for not being as involved with her toddler as they had promised before her birth. Her parents are busy with work and caring for a child with autism, while her in-laws prioritize leisure activities. Dear Abby advises her to accept the situation and not let anger affect her relationships. In another query, a wife notices her husband, who vowed to diet, is secretly eating her chocolates. Abby suggests addressing it lightly if his weight loss has stalled.
A parent seeks advice on how to prepare their young children, including an autistic son, for visiting a very sick grandparent in the hospital. The advice includes being open to questions, possibly using photos or videos to preview the visit, and creating a tailored social story to help the children understand and cope with the changes in their grandparent's appearance and behavior.
A study from the University of Helsinki in Finland found that mothers are less likely to purchase antidepressants if their own parents are younger than 70, employed, and in good health. The research, which tracked 488,000 mothers of young children, revealed a strong connection between access to grandparents' help and lower use of antidepressants, especially in mothers who were separated from their partners. However, instances where grandparents were older, in poor health, or living far away were associated with higher antidepressant use, highlighting the importance of social support in parenting and the potential negative impact when such support is lacking.
A study shows that mothers are less likely to purchase antidepressants if their own parents are younger than 70, employed, and in good health, highlighting the significant impact of grandparents on a mom's mental health. Access to grandparents' help was associated with lower antidepressant use, especially for mothers who were separated from their partners. However, instances where grandparents were older, in poor health, or living far away were linked to higher antidepressant use, suggesting the importance of social support from various sources in parenting. Forming a strong community, whether through neighbors, social media, or other groups, is crucial for mothers in raising their children and maintaining their mental well-being.
A new study suggests that mothers are less likely to purchase antidepressants if they have support from younger, employed, and healthy grandparents. The research tracked 488,000 mothers in Finland and found that access to grandparents' help was especially beneficial for separated mothers. However, when grandparents were older, in poor health, or living far away, the mothers had higher antidepressant use. While support from grandparents is valuable, other sources of social support, such as neighbors, friends, and online communities, can also play a crucial role in improving maternal mental health.
A viral TikTok video revealed a mother-in-law's unconventional request to be called "Mama" or "Queen Mother" instead of "grandma," sparking a trend among baby boomers to opt for more modern and unique grandparent nicknames. Experts speculate that this desire may stem from a denial of aging, a wish to avoid traditional labels, or a desire for individuality. While it's important to respect a grandparent's preference, ultimately, the child's parents have the final say in selecting a suitable title, setting healthy boundaries and teaching their children the importance of respectful communication.
The article discusses the issue of grandparents spoiling their grandchildren with extravagant gifts during the holidays, causing tension between parents and grandparents. The author suggests that clear communication and setting guidelines in advance can help avoid this problem. Experts recommend creating a gift registry or wish list for grandparents to follow, and encouraging contributions to a child's college fund. If grandparents continue to ignore the guidelines, it may be necessary to have a respectful conversation or return the excessive gifts. Ultimately, it is important to remember to be respectful and appreciate the grandparents' desire to spoil their grandchildren.
A parent seeks advice on dealing with grandparents who have taken over planning their baby's first birthday party, feeling torn between asserting their own preferences and letting the grandparents have their way. The columnist advises making a clear decision and sticking to it, emphasizing that first birthdays are more for the adults than the baby. Additionally, a reader suggests focusing on establishing boundaries in more significant areas, such as the child's upbringing. In another question, a parent seeks advice on how to help their second-grader open up about school issues, with the columnist suggesting engaging in regular activities together to create a relaxed environment for conversation.
A study led by Washington State University reveals that the COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant increase in the number of children living with their grandparents, with nearly 510,000 children experiencing this living arrangement. While multi-generational households were already on the rise before the pandemic, the increase during COVID-19 was six times greater than expected. The surge was primarily driven by single mothers, unmarried mothers, non-working mothers, and families with children under the age of 6. The study highlights the importance of family ties as a safety net, as the need for economic and instrumental support outweighed concerns about health risks. However, the researchers note that this surge in co-residence is temporary, with numbers returning to expected levels in 2021.
Multigenerational living, where multiple generations of a family live together in the same household, is becoming increasingly popular and aspirational. A survey by Legal & General found that nearly half of adults believe it would be a good thing if multigenerational living became more common. However, the number of households with three generations living together in the UK is relatively low, with around 1.8 million multigenerational households. The lack of suitable properties and financial support from the government are cited as barriers to its growth. Some purpose-built properties exist, but most people rely on adapting existing properties. Despite the challenges, many families find multigenerational living beneficial, providing support, childcare, and a close-knit family environment.
A mother-in-law's decision to get a tattoo in honor of her granddaughter has caused tension within the family, with the daughter-in-law feeling that boundaries were overstepped. While getting tattoos to honor loved ones is common, disagreements can arise when parents and relatives have different ideas on how to show love to children. Clinical psychologist Michele Goldman advises clear communication and setting boundaries to address such situations. It is important for grandparents to respect parents' rules and not undermine them in front of the children. Ultimately, maintaining a healthy relationship and open communication is key in navigating these challenges.
Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar have reportedly given up custody of their nephew, Tyler Hutchins, to his grandparents, John and Carolyn Hutchins. Tyler had been living with the Duggars since 2016 under permanent legal guardianship. The grandparents have petitioned an Arkansas court to become Tyler's guardians, stating that they can provide a stable environment for him and that his mother has no objections to the transfer. Tyler's mother, Rachel Hutchins, originally gave up custody due to financial and legal troubles, and the Duggars stepped in to care for him. Tyler's story has been featured on the reality show Counting On, and the Duggars have made him feel like part of their large family.
A study led by Washington State University found that the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic in the US led to a surge of nearly 510,000 children living in "doubled-up" households, with most of them living with grandparents. This increase in co-residing households was driven by the need for economic and instrumental support, such as childcare, outweighing concerns about spreading COVID-19 to vulnerable older relatives. However, the surge was temporary, and households returned to expected levels in 2021. The study highlights the importance of family ties as a safety net in the US, but also emphasizes that doubling up is not the preference for Americans, as they strive to live independently when possible.
Research suggests that grandparents who regularly play with their grandchildren not only stay active and healthy longer but also live longer. Physical play between grandparents and grandchildren promotes social interaction, mental stimulation, and a sense of purpose. Studies have shown that grandparents contribute to a family culture of physical activity and can be role models for future generations. Additionally, intergenerational initiatives have been developed to promote physical activity and improve the quality of the grandchild-grandparent relationship. Grandparents who provide child care may experience higher physical health scores. However, it is important for grandparents to follow practical guidelines to avoid injury and stay safe. Overall, playing with grandchildren has numerous health benefits for both grandparents and grandchildren.
