In today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world, the role of grandparents is evolving. No longer just occasional babysitters or holiday hosts, modern grandparents are increasingly active, engaged and emotionally invested in their grandchildren’s lives. But staying connected with younger generations—especially in an era of digital communication, shifting parenting styles and geographic mobility—requires being open and adaptable.

The changing face of grandparenting

According to recent data, there are over 1.5 billion grandparents worldwide, a number expected to rise to 2.1 billion by 2050¹ .

In Australia the average age of becoming a grandparent is between 58 – 60 years and psychologically younger than their age would suggest. Based on life expectancy rates, a 65 year old grandparent is more like a 58 year old of a generation ago². The grandparents of today are redefining what it means to be involved in their grandchildren’s lives.

Interestingly, 65% of involved grandparents say they are better at grandparenting than they were at parenting and 72% consider it the most important role in their lives³. This shift reflects a deeper emotional investment and a desire to build meaningful, lasting relationships with the next generation.

Bridging the generational gap

One of the biggest challenges modern grandparents often encounter is navigating the differences in parenting philosophies. Today’s parents often emphasise emotional intelligence, gentle discipline and screen-time boundaries—approaches that may differ significantly from those used in previous generations.

Dr. Jeff Segal, a psychologist specialising in family dynamics, notes that respecting modern parenting choices is key to maintaining strong intergenerational bonds and suggests that “Choosing curiosity over criticism fosters dialogue, connection and harmony”.⁴

Grandparents who adapt and support their adult children’s parenting styles are more likely to be welcomed into their grandchildren’s lives in meaningful ways.

Staying connected across kilometres

In Australia approximately one in five children (21%) have a living grandparent who lives over 50 kilometres away, highlighting the geographic distance many families face in maintaining relationships and being a source of support for the primary caregivers.⁵

Fortunately, technology offers powerful tools to bridge that gap. Video calls, messaging apps, and shared online photo albums allow grandparents to stay involved in everyday moments—from celebrating milestones to reading bedtime stories virtually.

Here are a few tech-savvy ways grandparents are staying connected:

• Weekly video chats: A regular schedule helps build routine and anticipation.
• Shared digital photo albums: Allowing easy sharing of pictures and videos.
• Online games and activities: Playing games together or co-watching shows on streaming platforms can be fun and interactive.

Creating meaningful moments

Beyond technology, the most enduring connections are built through shared experiences and traditions. Whether it’s baking a family recipe, a trip to a favourite park, or working on a craft project together, these moments create a sense of continuity and belonging.

Some ideas to foster connection include:

• Storytelling sessions: Share family history or childhood memories.
• Pen pal letters or postcards: A fun way to encourage writing and anticipation.
• Collaborative projects: Build a scrapbook, plant a garden, or create a family tree together.

The power of presence

Even when not physically present, grandparents can have a profound impact. Research shows that 70% of grandparents believe their involvement strengthens their relationship with their adult children as well.⁶  This emotional closeness benefits the entire family unit, offering children a broader support network and a deeper sense of identity.

In some cases, grandparents are stepping into even more active roles. National Seniors Australia reports that nearly 27% of grandparents provide regular care to grandchildren or other children under 12.⁷  These “grandfamilies” face unique challenges – the pressure to provide more care can result in mixed feelings which should all be considered.

Building bridges across generations

Grandparenting today is about more than just spoiling the grandkids—it’s about building bridges across generations, adapting to change, and nurturing relationships that enrich everyone involved. Whether near or far, tech-savvy or traditional, today’s grandparents are finding creative and heartfelt ways to stay connected.

That spirit of love, commitment and adaptability is what makes modern grandparenting so powerful—and so essential.⁸

¹ grandkidsmatter.org/hot-topics/ask-the-experts/grandparenting-landscape/
² mccrindle.com.au/article/the-downageing-generation/
³ grandkidsmatter.org/hot-topics/ask-the-experts/grandparenting-landscape/
⁴ psychologytoday.com/au/blog/bridging-three-generations/202503/bridging-generations-embracing-modern-grandparenting
⁵ aifs.gov.au/research/family-matters/no-32/families-after-marriage-breakdown
⁶ grandkidsmatter.org/hot-topics/ask-the-experts/grandparenting-landscape/
⁷ nationalseniors.com.au/news/lifestyle/focus-on-grandparents-as-child-carers
⁸ grandkidsmatter.org/hot-topics/ask-the-experts/grandparenting-landscape/