Grandparenting has always been a big part of family life, but how grandkids fit into our daily routines has certainly changed over the years. While grandparents in the past were the go-to caregivers and keepers of family traditions, today we are connecting in new, flexible ways—often bridging the distance with technology and adapting to modern family lifestyles. Let’s take a look at the ‘then’ and ‘now’ and give ourselves a pat on the back for being creative and resilient as we continue to play an important role in our grandkids’ lives!
In This Post
A Walk Down Memory Lane
Closer Connections and Hands-On Care
Back in the day, families often lived close together, so grandparents were a constant presence. They weren’t just the storytellers at family gatherings; they often played a direct role in daily childcare. My grandma took care of me after school while my parents were still at work, and I have fond memories of those days. Whether it was watching the kids after school or keeping family traditions alive through regular in-person interactions, their involvement was woven into every part of family life.
Custodians of Tradition
Grandparents were the keepers of family history and culture. They passed down recipes, family stories, and traditions through daily conversations and community events. Their guidance was like a living archive of the family’s past, helping to instill core values and a sense of identity in the younger generation.
How Things Look Today
Geographic Dispersion and Digital Connection
Our modern families are more spread out than ever. With kids and grandparents often living in different cities—or even countries—grandparents now rely on letter writing, video calls, texting, and social media to stay in touch. My grandkids are a three-hour drive away. It’s definitely drivable, but for practical purposes, it feels like they are across the country some days! While this distance might mean fewer face-to-face moments, it also offers the convenience of connecting at any time, no matter the distance!
Changing Roles in Childcare
Today’s grandparents are less likely to be the primary caregivers or to play a significant role as babysitters. With more formal childcare options and busy work schedules, grandparents step in mainly as supplementary support if they live close enough to do so. Grandparents today may tailor their vacation time or weekends to help during a needed period of time, or to give the grown kids a bit of time away. Many grandparents adopt a travel schedule that matches up with their grandkids extra activities. At a super practical level, I have done video chats with grandkids during the dinner prep hour so Amanda can have an occasional uninterrupted bit of time to get a meal for five on the table. It’s a customized and flexible approach to caring for grandkids!
Evolving Traditions
The essence of passing down family traditions remains strong, but the way it happens has evolved. Instead of relying on in-person storytelling, families now capture memories through photos, videos, and social media. This blend of old-school wisdom and modern technology keeps the spirit of family heritage alive in a fresh, dynamic way.
Mentors in a Modern World
While the role of a wise advisor hasn’t changed, the way advice is shared has. Grandparents today often act as collaborative mentors. They share life lessons and personal stories, but with the added benefit of multiple perspectives from a world where information is just a click away. It leads to not only understanding cherished traditions of the past, but also incorporating them into new traditions to take into the future!
Wrapping It All Up
At the end of the day, both the old and new approaches to grandparenting highlight the importance of the grandparent-grandchild bond. In the past, close physical proximity and day-to-day caregiving made grandparents central to family life. Today, even if the interactions are less frequent or digitally created, the value of a grandparents’ wisdom, support, and love remains just as strong!
Whether you’re reminiscing about your own warm, in-person gatherings of the past or, like me, adding stamps to envelopes and embracing video calls, one thing is clear: grandparents continue to play an incredibly important role in shaping our family stories and values, no matter how the times change.
