By Kylee Harris
In the UK, multigenerational living is increasingly popular, with a third of households now having children, parents and grandparents all under one roof. This can be a huge help with childcare, as grandparents will be on hand to lend a hand, and it also allows you to support them as they age. But, more than that, living with grandparents can actually boost your children’s cognitive development and ability to communicate, a recent study in the International Journal of Public Health reveals. It can also make them more compassionate and happier overall. So, if you’re thinking about welcoming your or your partner’s parents into your home, it’s worth understanding these benefits for child development, so you can design spaces and routines that truly make the most of your new living arrangement.
Boost brain development
Living with grandparents has a positive impact on children’s brain development, especially when they’re little (from birth to seven years old). That’s when the brain is most busy forming new neural pathways, and grandparents can play a huge role in this process. This is because they bring warmth and energy to the home, along with plenty of chances to chat and do things together. These everyday moments equal learning opportunities for your children. For instance, social time with grandparents has been proven to build key neural connections that aid talking, reading and clear thinking.
This is because they bring warmth and energy to the home, along with plenty of chances to chat and do things together.
So, how can you make the most of this developmental benefit? It’s simple: create spaces in your home that bring people together. The kitchen, for example, is often the heart of the home, so it’s a great place to start. If possible, add extra seating in the form of a dining nook or cosy corner where everyone can sit and chat or eat together. When choosing chairs, think about what would work best for your grandparents. High chairs with solid armrests, for example, are much easier for seniors to get in and out of.
Teach compassion
Growing up in a multi-generational household can also help children develop compassion and caring behaviour. When they’re involved in simple tasks, like bringing Grandma a mug of tea, they learn these small gestures can make a big difference. As they grow older, they’ll come to understand that looking after their family is a serious responsibility, but also a wonderful way to show love.
