Family bonds are precious, and the connection between grandparents and grandchildren is no exception.
But how often do these visits occur on average? Should parents and grandparents establish a clear visiting schedule? Let’s find out!
What Is the Average Amount of Time Grandparents See Grandchildren?
The frequency with which grandparents see their grandchildren varies widely.
A survey among American grandparents in 2011 revealed that 25% of the respondents saw their grandchild or grandchildren once every few months.
A more recent survey has highlighted that, during the pandemic, 59% of grandparents spent less time with their grandchildren than before.
- Source: Statista.
A study carried out by Pew Research looked at how often grandparents in the U.S. help with taking care of their grandkids.
In 2014, about 72% of grandparents helped out sometimes, while 22% did so on a regular basis.
This means that at least 22% percent of grandparents visit their grandchildren on a regular basis to provide childcare help and spend time with them.
These conclusions match the results of a survey carried out by Today.
According to Today’s survey, 42% of grandparents meet their grandchildren every week, while 22% see them every day.
The same survey found that 54% of parents believe their parents spend more time with their grandchildren than their own grandparents did with them when they were kids.
A large portion, 69%, of grandparents describe their approach as hands-on, agreeing that they actively play with their grandchildren on the floor.
On the other hand, 78% of parents acknowledge that grandparents spoil their kids, with 90% of these parents being okay with it.
Distance Affects the Frequency of Visits
The frequency of visits can also be impacted by the distance between grandparents and grandchildren.
If they live in the same town, visits might be once a week or once a fortnight.
However, if they reside in different states, the frequency might drop to three or four times a year.
According to the AARP Report, 2012, about 10% of grandparents have to travel more than 200 miles to see their closest grandchild.
Moreover, 40% report having to travel more than 200 miles to see their furthest grandchild.
- Source: North Dakota State University.
How Often Should Grandparents Visit Grandchildren?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how often grandparents should visit their grandchildren. It depends on individual circumstances and what works best for both generations.
Typically, it’s good to maintain a regular connection, but the frequency can vary widely.
Some grandparents visit weekly, while others may see their grandchildren monthly or even less frequently.
Setting a visitation schedule with grandparents isn’t typical or necessary.
Grandparents don’t have visitation rights like custody agreements.
Moreover, having a regular visitation schedule can lead to stress and resentment.
It’s essential to prioritize your family’s needs and flexibility.
Consider how often you’re comfortable with visits and communicate that to the other party.
It’s also crucial for parents to maintain time for their nuclear family and not let regular visits disrupt their family’s routines and activities.
Life is unpredictable, and schedules can change, so keeping things flexible is wise.
Ultimately, it’s about finding a balance that works for both families while respecting your own time and boundaries.