The Big Role of Grandparents

A New Met Life Life Study, conducted in partnership with Generations United entitled Grandparents Investing in Grandchildren: The MetLife Study on How Grandparents Share Their Time, Values, and Money, provides a hint of the contributions grandparents make to the lives of their grandchildren in passing down important values as well as providing care and financial assistance.

·       Two in 10 grandparents say they are living in a multi-generational household; 30%
   of those households include grandchildren.

·       Just over one in 10 grandparents (13%) provides care on a regular basis for at least
   one grandchild. Of those, 32% are providing care five or more days per week.

·       Topping the list of very important values grandparents wish to pass down are
   honesty (88%), good behavior (82%), self-sufficiency (70%), higher education
   (69%), and good health habits (68%).

·       The majority (62%) of grandparents have provided financial support or monetary
   gifts for grandchildren within the past five years. The total average amount provided
   over the past five years among this group for all grandchildren was $8,289 total,
   with more than half having given up to $5,000.

In a companion publication, Grandparents Investing in Grandchildren, Actions Speak Louder Than Words, they outline ways grandparents can guide and help their grandchildren. Here are the highlights. Get the publication for the details.

·       Model and Teach the Values You Believe in the Most

·       Teach Your Grandchildren to Make a Difference by Giving of Time and Money

·       Discuss How Every Vote Counts

·       Explore Your Culture, Your Heritage

·       Celebrate Family

·       Record an Audio/Video Message

·       Create a Family Tree

·       Start Cooking

·       Preserve History for the Future

·       Invest in Your Grandchildren’s Financial Security

·       Foster Early Saving Habits

·       Encourage Smart Spending

·       Make Grand Investments