Maternal Grandparents: Role, Bond & Influence on Child’s Growth

Spending quality time with grandparents is crucial for a child’s healthy development. Evidence shows that these close relationships benefit the children, enrich the lives of the grandparents, and provide support to the parents.

It’s undeniable that the love and support that every grandparent showers on their grandchildren. One can never distinguish between maternal and paternal grandparents’ love. In general, maternal grandparents tend to be closer to grandchildren than paternal grandparents. Ask a child who they feel closest to; the order typically ranges from a maternal grandmother, maternal grandfather, paternal grandmother, and paternal grandfather.

What Are Maternal Grandparents?

Maternal grandparents are the parents of one’s mother. They are the grandmother and grandfather on the mother’s side of the family. This distinguishes them from paternal grandparents, who are the parents of one’s father. The term “maternal” itself originates from the Latin word mater, meaning “mother.”

Genetic Influence of Maternal Grandparents

When we begin to dissect why a majority feel closer to their maternal grandparents, the primary factor that pops up is the genetic influence.

Scientific theories suggest a strong genetic bond between the maternal grandparents and their grandchildren, especially the maternal grandmother. Maternal grandmother gives birth to the mothers who give birth to the children, and hence they share a closer connection with their maternal grandmother. It is also found that across the world, irrespective of the geographical and societal differences, maternal grandparents are likely to accept more responsibility for the kids and be more involved with them.

As uncanny as it may sound, some theories suggest that, genetically, paternal and maternal grandmothers disproportionately devote time or love to their grandchildren. The X chromosome connection better supports this theory.

Maternal grandmothers share 25% X-relatedness to their grandchildren, while paternal grandmothers give one of their X-chromosomes to their granddaughters, but nothing to their grandsons. This share makes paternal grandmothers 0% X-related to their grandsons and 50% X-related to their granddaughters.

Are Maternal Grandparents Closer to Children Than the Paternal Ones?

Theories and various incidents found that the strength of care and attention provided by the four grandparents is not equal but commonly different. Various factors influence this besides genetics.

The most stereotypical concept yet one that still pertains is the distraught relationship between a woman and her mother-in-law. The relationship between the two might be complicated and weighed down with jealousy and possession, which may, in turn, affect the relationship between the paternal grandparents and grandchildren.

Another theory suggests that the ostensible “paternal uncertainty” that may decrease the commitment of paternal relatives, including grandparents, into upbringing the grandchildren and spending time with them.

Besides, there are also various other factors identified by surveys and experience that exercise great influence on a relationship’s closeness. Geographical proximity is another important role. Although grandparents can clone superhero and fly miles to be with their grandkids, the easier they are to access, the closer they feel. A grandparent’s employment status, economic status, health, character, and personality can also be notable, influential elements.

Role and Importance of a Maternal Grandparent in a Child’s Life

The role of the maternal grandparents is established pretty early, with maternal grandmothers staying beside the mother and holding the baby right from the labor ward. The maternal grandmother stays more often with the mother to help after a baby’s birth, starting the early bond with the grandchild. Naturally, they are more likely to be preferred to babysit when they start growing up, and it is more likely to be drawn into school activities when the grandchild goes to school.

The maternal and paternal grandparents’ roles also swerve more extensively during testing times, such as the parents’ divorce. In most cases, a mother wins custody of the children, and the maternal grandparents often step in to fill the gaps in parenting and offer stability to the family, bringing them closer to their grandchildren. 

FAQs

1. What legal rights do maternal grandparents typically have?

Grandparents’ rights vary significantly by location. In many places, maternal grandparents can seek court-ordered visitation if they have had a significant relationship with the child and if maintaining that relationship is deemed to be in the child’s best interest, especially in cases of divorce, separation, or the death of the mother.

2. Can a maternal grandparent be held financially responsible for their grandchildren?

In most standard cases, grandparents are not legally obligated to provide financial support. However, in specific situations where the parents are unable to care for the child (due to incarceration, death, or incapacity) and the grandparent becomes the primary guardian, they may assume financial responsibility. Some jurisdictions also have “grandparent liability” laws for certain expenses.

3. How does the involvement of maternal grandparents impact the mother’s parenting style?

Studies indicate that positive involvement from maternal grandparents can reinforce a mother’s parenting choices and provide valuable validation and advice. However, it can sometimes lead to tension or interference if there are generational differences in parenting philosophies, potentially causing stress for the new mother.

Indisputably, the hard work put in by a grandparent is immeasurable. Grandparents always want to be involved in their grandchildren’s lives, regardless of their spot on the family tree. A strong relationship with one’s maternal grandmother & grandfather can provide a unique and foundational layer of family support. Grandparents bring experiences to a child’s life that are different from what the parents give them, and for all those, let’s just rejoice in all the wonderful grandparents out there.

Also Read:

Gift Ideas for Grandparents
Grandparents Day Activities for Kids
Why Grandparents Are important for Your Child
Grandparents Day Quotes, Wishes and Messages

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