Grandparents play key role in kids' happiness

CHILDREN grow up happier if their grandparents are involved in their upbringing, researchers said last week.

Academics at Oxford University and the Institute of Education, London, found that grandparents can help young children because they often have to spend more time with them than working parents.

They are good at helping to solve children's problems as well as discussing their future plans.

Deputy Jan Kuttelwascher is a grandfather to four, who are aged between three and nine. He believes being an involved grandparent plays a significant role in their development.

'I like being an involved grandparent,' he said.

'I believe it adds lots of value to my grandchildren's lives. They have a bigger family - it's not just mum and dad - and it gives them a much stronger family environment.

'By having two sets of adults - parents and grandparents - children get a bigger overview and different opinions, which helps them develop their own. My grandchildren are always asking questions. Kids tend to feel happier asking questions to people they know.'

As well as spending a lot of time in the island with his family, Deputy Kuttelwascher goes on holiday at least twice a year with his daughter and her children - last year joining them in Disney World, Florida.

The survey of more than 1,500 children also discovered that grandparents could help keep them calm during crises such as divorce.

Research showed that one grandmother in three regularly looked after a grandchild, while 40% helped out occasionally. But researchers believe more grandparents should become involved in care to improve their grandchildren's well-being and that the UK Government should do more to recognise their importance to society.

'When I worked as a pilot, I would be away up to two weeks at a time,' Deputy Kuttelwascher explained.

'So I do know the importance of having an extended family around, as it was important for my children to have their grandparents there to spend time with while I was away.'

The survey encountered one teenager who claimed his grandmother 'taught us to read and write' and another whose grandparents discussed with him not only what GCSEs to take, but what universities he should apply to and what career to undertake. A 12-year-old girl said her grandmother comforted her when she was being bullied at school.

'I don't think I'll be that heavily involved in their educational choices - they can make those decisions by themselves,' said Deputy Kuttelwascher.

'However, I have helped with homework and as I studied physics at university, I can help with maths and other associated subjects. My wife also does a lot of reading to them. But time really is the most important thing - to spend time playing games and having fun.'

• Has your grandparent done something special for you? Or are you particularly close? If so, the Globe wants to hear from you. Email Emily Burden at eburden@ guernsey-press.com or get in touch by texting the word, GLOBE, followed by your story, to 84070.