The Role of Grandparents in Child Psychology: A Study of Joint Family Systems in Pakistan
Abstract
In most joint families, grandparents serve as influential figures in nurturing a child’s psychological evolution, especially where other relatives are frequently present. Their presence deeply impacts a child's wellbeing and aids in their socialization and mental development. Nevertheless, very few studies are done which explore the gradual process of modern grand parenting in Pakistani joint families. The goal of this study is to assess the psychosocial outcomes of grandparental involvement on children in Pakistani joint families systems with regard to their emotional, social and cognitive development. A qualitative approach was adopted using semi-structured interviews with sample of 30 members of joint families across Pakistan. Thematic analysis was used to evaluate the patterns and themes emerging from the data. A majority of grandparents reported playing a positive role in enhancing children’s emotional security, moral understanding, and abilities to resolve conflicts. By providing guidance alongside the provision of cultural, and emotional support to their grandchildren, grandparents help alleviate children's stress. Moreover, through storytelling, problem-solving, and other traditional forms of teaching, grandparents help foster children's resilience as well as enhance their cognitive skills. Nonetheless, intra-generational disagreements and varying approaches to parenting does complicate the caregiving relationship sometimes. This was of course very prominent considering the significance of extended family structures in Pakistan. The contribution of grandparents to children’s emotional health, social adjustment, and even cognitive activities is significant. Broader policies that ensure child health and development in Pakistan should consider the cultivation of intergenerational families to enhance the cohesiveness of the family system. There is a need to further study ways of resolving intergenerational tensions while enhancing the advantages of grandparents’ care.
