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Tech opens communication doors for grandparents of grandkids with ASD

A computer-based design program, SketchUp, helps develop spatial and visual acuity in youth on the autism spectrum. It also improves relationships between grandparents and their grandkids, creating a more supportive environment. The technology provides common ground for grandparents to engage with others, sharing experiences and joys.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalThe International Journal of Aging and Human Development·DateDec 10, 2012

More grandparents fill caregiver role

A new study by the University of Chicago shows that 60 percent of grandparents provided some care for their grandchildren during a 10-year period. Grandparents with less income and less education are more likely to take on care for their grandchildren, highlighting the diversity in grandparent care.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalJournal of Family Issues·DateSep 6, 2012

Relatively speaking: Researchers identify principles that shape kinship categories across languages

A new study reveals that kinship categories across languages reflect general principles of communication, including a trade-off between simplicity and informativeness. The study found that languages use only a handful of the vast number of logically possible kinship categories, with English and Mandarin Chinese using two and four terms...

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalScience·DateMay 24, 2012

University of Utah, Google seek answers for autism

A workshop program using 3D modeling software SketchUp has shown benefits for children with autism, improving social engagement, self-confidence, and relationships among generations within families. The program's creators noticed significant improvements in participants' behavior, attention span, and ability to interact with peers.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalFamily and Consumer Sciences Research Journal·DateJan 10, 2012

Playtime helps bind generations

A new study from Concordia University and Wilfrid Laurier University confirms that shared leisure time between grandparents and their adult grandchildren is key to forming strong intergenerational relationships. This common activity allows for knowledge sharing, mutual understanding, and the development of empathy.

SourceConcordia University·JournalFamily Relations·DateFeb 14, 2011

A helping hand from the grandparents

A team of scientists has discovered that older adults in the Seychelles warbler population help raise their children's grandchildren, providing an alternative route for co-operative breeding. This behavior is thought to be an effective strategy for birds prevented from breeding due to habitat loss.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalEvolution·DateDec 21, 2007

Family ties that bind: Maternal grandparents are more involved in the lives of their grandchildren

A recent study found that maternal grandparents were more likely to maintain daily or weekly contact with their grandchildren than paternal grandparents. The research suggests psychological mechanisms rooted in evolutionary history, where women are always related by maternity, making family ties through the mother more significant.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalEvolutionary Psychology·DateDec 18, 2007

Grandparent at home buffers single-parenthood

Children living with single mothers and grandparents in the household show similar test scores to those in married-couple families. Research highlights the importance of grandparents' role in supporting children during adolescence. Grandparents can serve as a source of strength for youth navigating this critical period.

Why grandparents prefer certain kin to others

A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that maternal grandmothers are closer to their grandchildren than other grandparents. The researchers discovered that preferential investment stems from genetic uncertainty, with maternal grandmothers being the closest followed by paternal grandfathers.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateJun 9, 2004

Grandparent divorce weakens relationships with grandchildren

Research by Penn State's King found that ever-divorced grandparents live farther away from their grandchildren than married grandparents. Grandfathers report less contact and higher conflict with grandchildren compared to grandmothers. However, a good parent-grandparent relationship can mitigate the negative influence of divorce.

Religious Grandparents More Involved With Grandkids

A study by Penn State researcher Valarie King found that church-going grandparents have closer, more involved relationships with their grandchildren. The research, which collected data from over 500 White families, showed a moderate correlation between religiousness and grandparent involvement.