A Project of the Child Trends News Service Supported by the National Science Foundation

When Grandma is the Babysitter During COVID-19

ORLANDO, Fla. (Ivanhoe Newswire)—Grandparents are advised to physically distance themselves from their grandkids. However, this might not be possible for some families where grandparents play a pivotal role in raising their grandchildren.

A Cornell University study done before the outbreak analyzed how much time they spend together. Scientists found that on any given week 50 percent of young children spend some time with their grandparents. And the U.S. Census found that 1 in 5 kids under the age of five are being cared for by their grandparents while their parents are at work or school. Some grandparents are likely to be needed to watch their grandkids now that schools are closed. Even with the ease of restrictions enacted during COVID-19, the threat of the virus is still active. If grandparents cannot isolate themselves, they can protect themselves by washing their hands frequently, limiting close contact, using gloves when changing diapers, and regularly cleaning high touch surfaces like tablets, toys, and playmats.

For grandparents who need to self-isolate but want to remain connected with their grandchildren and help, consider scheduling a daily video chat time where you read stories or play games virtually with your grandkids. Grandparents can also free up time for parents by cooking and dropping off meals.

Contributors to this news report include: Cyndy McGrath, Executive Producer, Milvionne Chery, Writer, Roque Correa, Editor

Produced by Child Trends News Service in partnership with Ivanhoe Broadcast News and funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation

Source: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jomf.12472

facebook twitter instagram youtube arrow up Play Icon Envelope Arrow Right Arrow Down