Historical Forces Shaping Grandparent-Grandchild Relationships: Demography and Beyond

Children now have more living grandparents. More people now have grandparents who live throughout their childhood and into their early adult years. Children now have fewer siblings and cousins to compete with for their grandparents' attention and resources. Grandparents now are healthier and have more resources (money and time) to lavish on grandchildren. The cultural script for grandparents now is more positive, emphasizing affection and emotional closeness. Advances in communication and transportation technology make it easier now to maintain close contact.

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