#Agedsociety

A growing body of international research shows that grandparents are shouldering unprecedented levels of childcare—transforming not only family relationships but also the way societies must support both the elderly and the youngest generations. Recent reports, including one from The Atlantic published in April 2025, highlight “an age of peak grandparenting,” with nearly 60% of American grandmothers providing childcare for grandchildren, and more than 40% seeing a grandchild weekly. Experts warn that the consequences of this shift are profound, shaping retirement, family bonds, and child development not just in the West but across Asia—including Thailand, where traditional family structures and rapid societal changes intersect in unique ways.

Grandparents are taking an increasingly central role in childcare worldwide, reshaping family life and pressuring social systems to adapt. Recent research highlights a trend toward “an age of peak grandparenting,” with many grandparents providing regular care and support for working parents. In Thailand, rapid urbanization, shifting family structures, and an aging population mean grandparent involvement has grown in both importance and complexity.

Why this matters for Thai readers. Traditionally, Thai families relied on multigenerational support, with grandparents passing down culture and often stepping in to care for children. As more parents work outside the home and cities expand, older family members frequently shoulder caregiving duties, sometimes due to limited affordable formal care. In Bangkok and rural areas alike, data from UNICEF Thailand indicate that a notable share of young children live with grandparents or other extended family. This pattern affects child development, elder health, and household finances, underscoring the need for effective support systems.