Shared Parenthood: The importance of secondary caregivers

A proverb says it takes a village to raise a child. In that lies both a recognition of the task of bringing up a child, but also a healthier and more sustainable attitude to the fact that the upbringing of a child is created in interaction with many people and not just the parents. At BIBS we understand the need for families to share parenthood with siblings, grandparents, and friends to provide care for the child and support the parents in creating a nourishing and safe environment for the child.

Research has shown that involving secondary caregivers in the care and upbringing of children can have significant benefits for the child, the primary caregiver, and the secondary caregiver. This blog post will discuss the benefits of secondary caregivers’ involvement in the caring and upbringing of children.

A crucial support system

Firstly, the importance of secondary caregivers cannot be overstated. They provide a crucial support system for parents and are precious allies. The involvement of secondary caregivers in childcare helps to alleviate the burden on the primary caregivers. Sharing childcare responsibilities can provide much-needed relief, allowing the primary caregivers to recharge, take care of their own needs, and have time for other responsibilities.

Long-term benefits for the child

Secondly, involving secondary caregivers in childcare can have long-term benefits for the child. Research has shown that children who grow up with greater emotional closeness to their grandparents are less likely to be depressed as adults (1). Grandparents provide their grandchildren with acceptance, patience, love, stability, wisdom, fun, and support. This, in turn, has positive effects on a child’s well-being.

Benefits for the secondary caregivers also

Research also shows that secondary caregivers also benefit from the close bond with the children. For grandparents, a close relationship with their grandchildren can boost brain function (2) protect against depression (1), and increase their lifespan (3).

Sources

1. Moorman, S. M., PhD, & Stokes, J. E., MA. (2016). Solidarity in the grandparent–adult grandchild relationship and trajectories of depressive symptoms. The Gerontologist, 56(3), 408-420.
2. Arpino, B., & Bordone, V. (2014). Does grandparenting pay off? The effect of child care on grandparents' cognitive functioning. Journal of Marriage and Family, 76(2), 337-351.
3. Hilbrand, S., Coall, D. A., Gerstorf, D., & Hertwig, R. (2017). Caregiving within and beyond the family is associated with lower mortality for the caregiver: A prospective study. Evolution and Human Behavior, 38(3), 397-403