This is the grandparent with the most positive impact on children

Photo: Unsplash / Sergiu Vălenaș

If you’ve ever experienced the relief of a grandparent’s hug, you probably don’t need research to tell you that their presence has positive effects. But new research statistically shows that it can help children deal with difficult situations.

According to the research, the positive influence of the maternal grandmother on a child with trauma can last for years.

The influence of grandmothers

Researchers from the University of Turku in Finland looked at data collected in an earlier survey completed by more than 1,500 English young people aged 11 to 16. The study included a behavioral screening to measure the young people’s emotional and behavioral problems.

“Our main finding was that investments by maternal grandmothers appeared to be able to protect their grandchild from the negative impact of multiple negative experiences in early life,” lead researcher Samuli Helle told HuffPost.

Influenced development

“’Adverse childhood experiences’ is a phrase used to describe traumatic events or difficult circumstances that occurred between the ages of 0 and 17,” Kids Mental Health Foundation Clinical Director Whitney Raglin Bignall explained to HuffPost. “Examples include abuse, neglect or witnessing violence.”

Although not everyone who has had a negative childhood experience will have problems later, the chance is greater. “In childhood,” says Bignall, “these experiences can influence development.”

Protective effect

Children with negative childhood experiences were less likely to show the negative effects of these experiences if they grew up with a maternal grandmother in their lives who provided support, the study found.

However, Helle cautioned that the University of Turku study shows an average statistical pattern and that in real life there may be numerous examples of paternal grandfathers or grandmothers providing the same care with the same protective effect.

Support system

One of the best ways to counteract the damage of a negative childhood experience is for the child to have a strong support system, Bignall said. “This also means that there is a lasting and trusting relationship with an adult. An involved grandparent who is consistent, loving and available can be an essential buffer for children,” she explains.