ATLANTA — In the bustling world of parenting, where the to-do list seems never-ending, there’s a new beacon of hope — grandparents. A study from Finland, dubbed the “happiest country in the world,” reveals the significant positive impact of grandparental support on a mother’s mental health.
“Having healthy grandparents around can provide valuable social support and foster a sense of community for mothers,” Gifty G. Ampadu, Ph.D., an attending psychologist at Montefiore Medical Center’s Child Outpatient Psychiatry Department, explained to Good Housekeeping. This support ranges from childcare assistance to sharing parenting duties, especially for single or separated mothers, and enriches the grandchildren’s mental well-being through regular interaction.
The Finnish study analyzed data from nearly half a million mothers of children under 12, and found those with active, healthy parents under 70 — who were employed and lived nearby (less than 7 miles away) — are less likely to suffer from depression. Grandparental support is especially critical for moms facing potential separation from their partners, having a more significant effect than post-separation or while remaining in the relationship, underscoring the invaluable role of grandparents.
“The mental health of mothers with young children is a critical public health concern,” Ampadu said. “We know that maternal mental health has an impact on the home environment and parenting behaviors. Studies have shown that maternal mental health can affect the mental health and social development of children in many ways.”
