influence on children’s lives is profound.

In Australian families, the role of grandparents extends far beyond occasional babysitting. They are educators, carers, mentors, and cultural guides who enrich a child’s world in countless ways. For parents raising children from PreKinder through to Year 12, understanding both what grandparents contribute and how that contribution works can provide fresh insight into a relationship that is often taken for granted.

Grandparents as educators

Grandparents are often some of a child’s earliest and most influential teachers, not through formal qualifications, but through the wisdom, experiences, and life lessons they share. They help children develop curiosity, resilience, and problem-solving skills by telling stories, exploring the world together, or encouraging children to try new things. Even simple activities like cooking a family recipe, working on a craft project, or reading together can teach children patience, focus, and creativity.

Research in Australia shows that children benefit when grandparents are actively involved in learning, whether that’s through supporting homework, discussing ideas, or nurturing a love of reading and discovery. These contributions provide a rich form of educational support that complements what children learn at school, helping them develop confidence and a sense that learning is meaningful and connected to everyday life.

Grandparents have long been recognised as vital sources of knowledge, but Australian research has shed light on just how significant their impact can be. The Longitudinal Study of Australian Children found that a grandparent’s own educational background is linked to higher academic achievement in grandchildren. Even when parents’ education is accounted for, children whose grandparents had higher levels of schooling performed better in reading and numeracy by the middle primary years. This suggests that grandparents pass on what researchers call “educational capital,” whether that’s through help with homework, sharing life stories, or modelling a love of learning.

For students, the message is clear: when grandparents take an active interest in their schooling, it helps to build motivation and reinforces the value of education. Something as simple as a conversation about school at the dinner table, or encouragement before an exam, can create a sense of continuity and purpose that children carry with them into the classroom.

Emotional security and practical care

In many Australian households, grandparents provide a backbone of practical care that supports families day-to-day. The Australian Institute of Family Studies reports that around two in five grandparents with grandchildren under 13 provide regular care. This care is especially common in the early school years, when children may need after-school supervision or a steady presence during holidays.

The impact of this stability is considerable. Children who know they can rely on a trusted adult beyond their parents often develop greater emotional resilience. For parents managing the pressures of work and family life, the involvement of grandparents can also reduce stress, leading to calmer and more consistent home environments. From the grandparents’ perspective, most report that time spent with grandchildren enhances their own wellbeing, offering a sense of purpose and joy.

Keeping culture and heritage alive

In a multicultural country like Australia, grandparents are often the custodians of heritage, language, and tradition. Whether it’s teaching a child to cook a family recipe, passing on words from another language, or sharing stories of migration, these experiences help children form a strong sense of identity.

Research in Sydney and Melbourne during the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted how grandparents played a crucial role in maintaining language and cultural traditions for children learning at home. Beyond cultural pride, this connection can foster self-confidence and broaden children’s ability to navigate different cultural settings. For many families, the bond between children and grandparents becomes the link that ties the past to the present, offering a grounding sense of belonging.

Supporting children through transitions

Grandparents are often uniquely placed to help children through times of change. Starting school, moving from primary to secondary, or facing the pressures of exams can all be stressful for young people. Grandparents, with their life experience and perspective, often provide reassurance during these moments. A calm conversation, a story about overcoming challenges, or simply the knowledge that someone outside the immediate household is invested in their wellbeing can make all the difference.

They also bring practical wisdom. Teaching a child how to grow vegetables, repair something around the house, or cook a family meal provides skills that are useful in daily life while also nurturing patience, independence, and problem-solving which are all qualities that support school success.

Navigating challenges together

Of course, the role of grandparents is not without its challenges. Distance, health issues, and differing parenting philosophies can sometimes create tension. For example, a grandparent may approach discipline or homework differently from parents, leading to confusion for the child. Open communication is key. When parents and grandparents discuss expectations and boundaries openly, children benefit from consistent messages.

There are also limits to how much care grandparents can provide. While many enjoy supporting their families, some may feel pressure when asked to commit to regular or extensive childcare. Recognising these boundaries ensures the relationship remains positive and sustainable.

Financial support is another area where grandparents contribute significantly. A McCrindle survey found that Australian grandparents spend on average around $2,000 per grandchild each year, much of it going towards education expenses such as uniforms, excursions, or school fees. This generosity eases the load for parents but can also stretch older people’s resources, highlighting the importance of honest conversations around money. The survey also found that for 79% of grandparents, spending quality time with grandchildren is a top priority.

Strengthening the bond

For parents, there are many ways to encourage a strong connection between their children and grandparents. Inviting grandparents to share stories from their own school days, encouraging regular conversations about current learning, or including them in school events are all valuable approaches. Even grandparents who live far away can be part of a child’s school journey through video calls, reading sessions online, or sharing photos and work digitally.

The benefits for grandparents

While much is said about what grandparents give to children, the relationship is very much a two-way street. Studies in Australia show that grandparents who are actively involved with their grandchildren often experience improved mental health, a greater sense of purpose, and higher overall life satisfaction. The Australian Institute of Family Studies reports that many grandparents describe caring for grandchildren as one of the most rewarding aspects of their later years, bringing joy, pride and a renewed sense of connection to family life.

Time with grandchildren can also keep older adults physically and mentally active. Whether it’s playing in the backyard, attending a school event, or helping with homework, these activities stimulate both body and mind. Grandparents also benefit socially, strengthening bonds not only with grandchildren but often with their own adult children, as shared experiences create new layers of family connection. La Trobe University found that spending time with children significantly enhances the quality of life for older Australians. Specifically, it reduces loneliness and depression, increases mobility and cognitive function, enhances motivation, reduces falls and improves memory retention.

Importantly, involvement with younger generations can help older people stay engaged with new ideas, technology and cultural changes. Many grandparents speak of how their grandchildren teach them just as much in return, keeping them curious, adaptable and open to the world around them.

Keep it intentional

The most important factor is intentionality – creating space for grandparents to be part of the rhythm of school life, in whatever way is possible for each family. This not only strengthens family ties but also reinforces for children the idea that education is a shared journey supported by a wider circle of people who love them.

At All Saints Grammar, we deeply appreciate the role of grandparents in shaping children’s growth and development. We see first-hand how intergenerational support enhances both academic and emotional outcomes for students. Our community is enriched by the diversity of cultures and traditions where grandparents play a central part, and we welcome their presence at school events and in family life.

For families seeking a school that values the whole family, including grandparents, All Saints Grammar offers a nurturing co-educational environment from PreKinder to Year 12. We recognise that education is not just about what happens in classrooms but about the network of relationships that help children thrive, and grandparents are at the heart of that story. To learn more about our wonderful community school, join one of our small group tours.