Recent global research has unveiled the surprising power of grandparenting to shape the health, identity, and resilience of the next generation—a finding that carries fresh resonance across Thai society as families navigate urbanization, shifting demographics, and evolving intergenerational roles. In a new era marked by aging populations and increasing longevity, the influence of grandparents is being rediscovered not only as a source of emotional nourishment, but as a foundation for cognitive and social development in grandchildren, bridging family culture, and preserving critical intergenerational wisdom.
The importance of grandparents has long been embedded in the cultural DNA of Thai society, where respect for elders and multi-generational households remain deeply valued ideals. However, recent research—including a review in the International Journal of Public Health (Sari, 2023) and contemporary analyses such as those reported by DE MODE Global (demodemagazine.com)—has cast vital new light on the multifaceted impact of grandparents, extending far beyond affectionate childcare.
Why is this resurgence of interest in grandparenting so timely for Thai readers? Thailand, like many countries in East and Southeast Asia, faces a demographic sea change: longer life expectancies, later childbearing, and shrinking families have reshaped traditional caregiving structures. Urban migration and dual-income households have ushered in new challenges for parents who must juggle work, childcare, and financial pressures. Against this backdrop, grandparents are increasingly called upon as anchors of support, transmitting not only family values and stories but also—or sometimes most importantly—societal resilience and coping skills.
Research reviews, such as those by Coall and Hertwig cited in the International Journal of Public Health, document that the presence of caring and involved grandparents produces measurable benefits for grandchildren. These range from improved cognitive development and stronger language skills to better mental health and pro-social behaviors. For example, children with close ties to grandparents are less likely to stumble into risky behaviors such as smoking or drug use, and more likely to maintain healthy nutritional habits and emotional regulation (Sari, 2023).
One of the most compelling aspects of this emerging science is the depth of wisdom that grandparents provide. In traditional Thai families, tales of hardship from older generations—recounted over shared meals or during Buddhist holidays—are vehicles for teaching about patience, gratitude, and perseverance. “The stories that grandparents tell don’t just entertain; they embed cultural and moral lessons and help children find their place in a sometimes-confusing world,” observed a senior official from the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security. “This is priceless, especially in a fast-changing Thailand.”
Expert views are underscored by recent cross-cultural data. According to a global review featured in DE MODE Global, grandparents act as “keepers of wisdom” and as “emotional anchors for their grandchildren,” sustaining family rituals and creating a sense of continuity even during times of family upheaval, such as parental separation or divorce. These rituals—be it celebrating Songkran together or preparing khaotom in the early dawn—are moments when values are modeled and identity is forged for younger Thai generations (demodemagazine.com).
But new research also highlights the nuanced and dynamic roles that modern grandparents play. In Thailand’s rapidly urbanizing centers, grandparents may step in as primary caregivers, especially where parents migrate for work, a phenomenon well-documented in rural provinces like Isaan and the North. According to surveys cited by UNICEF, nearly 15% of Thai children are raised primarily by grandparents in so-called “skip-generation” households, resulting in both immeasurable solidarity and complex challenges related to financial stress, health, and role conflicts (unicef.org).
Interestingly, the science does not claim the grandparental role is always positive or straightforward. The International Journal of Public Health review notes that in some settings—particularly where grandparents indulge unhealthy habits such as smoking, or where co-residence is strained by limited resources—children’s cognitive or behavioral outcomes may be less optimal. This nuanced evidence is especially salient for Thailand, where rural families and those of lower socioeconomic status may face unique obstacles to realizing the full benefits of multigenerational living (Sari, 2023).
Moreover, a growing body of evidence suggests the grandparent-grandchild relationship is bidirectional: Grandparents offer care and knowledge, but grandchildren themselves provide purpose, affection, and psychological wellbeing to their elders. “The relationship is a two-way street—children enliven and motivate their grandparents, who in turn gain new insights, digital skills, and a renewed sense of purpose,” elaborated a family studies researcher from Chulalongkorn University. Technology helps bridge generational gaps, allowing LINE video calls and digital storytelling to supplement in-person contact when families are geographically dispersed.
While the reward of grandparenting remains immense, researchers advise that balance is crucial. The most positive effects arise when grandparents support, rather than supplant, parents’ primary roles, and when families communicate openly about traditions, values, and expectations. Tensions may arise from conflicting parenting styles or disagreements over discipline, as noted in both Thai and international studies. Health and age-related limitations can also make ongoing engagement challenging, particularly as longevity increases but not always with robust healthspan.
Thailand’s evolving educational and social welfare policies are beginning to recognize the importance of these findings. Pilot programs in several provinces now offer community centers and training sessions for grandparents, where they can learn about nutrition, child psychology, and digital safety—equipping them to be even more effective contributors to their grandchildren’s wellbeing (Thaihealth.or.th). Many schools are partnering with local temples or health clinics to support “grandfamily” learning days, where shared knowledge is celebrated across generations.
What does all this mean for the future of Thai families? The consensus among scholars and social policy agencies is clear: Ignoring the central role of grandparents would be a missed opportunity not just for individual families, but for national wellbeing. As Thailand grapples with an aging population and shifting family structures, promoting the intentional involvement of grandparents could become a cornerstone of public health, education, and social cohesion.
Practical recommendations for Thai families include making time for intergenerational activities—such as shared storytelling, local crafts, or Buddhist rites—while also supporting grandparents with access to healthcare, social services, and information about modern childrearing. Parents and school leaders are encouraged to include grandparents in school events and family discussions, recognizing that their presence brings benefits that are both immediate and far-reaching.
To realize the full potential of “the grandparent effect,” policymakers can design family welfare programs that strengthen the health, agency, and digital literacy of older people, reducing both the risks and amplifying the rewards of grandparental involvement. And on the societal level, cherishing the voice of grandparents—whether in the family circle or through civic participation—may be one of the most culturally relevant and scientifically supported moves Thailand can make for its children’s futures.
For those seeking to improve family wellbeing, the message is clear: Encourage dialogue between generations, treasure shared meals and stories, and recognize the wisdom in a Thai proverb: “When an old person dies, a library burns.” With renewed recognition of the scientific and cultural power of grandparenting, Thai society can write new chapters of resilience, compassion, and wisdom in the lives of its youngest and oldest members.
Sources:
- Multigenerational Health Perspectives: The Role of Grandparents’ Influence in Grandchildren’s Wellbeing
- The Role of Grandparents in Modern Families - Wisdom and Connection
- UNICEF Thailand: Grandparents Play Key Role in the Everyday Care of Children
- Grandparent - Wikipedia
- Thaihealth.or.th: Healthy Ageing and Intergenerational learning