Entrusting a child to a grandparent while parents are at work is considered the best option in Asian countries like Seoul, Korea. (Photo : Facebook)
Working mothers across the world bemoan lack of reliable childcare centers for their young kids, middle-aged grandparents are stepping in to help out, and loving it.
Grandmothers in Asian countries are relearning childcare, as shown in the case of Seoul, Korea, where baby classes for grandparents have been in vogue. There is a high demand for these baby care classes, particularly in affluent parts of Seoul including Gangnam and Songpa, as well as Bundang in the neighboring Gyeonggi province, The Straits Times reported.
Most working moms are skeptical about leaving their kids in government-run child care facilities, though these are free. Entrusting a baby or toddler to a grandparent is considered the best option. In the process, the grandparents get to bond with their own kin.
Taking refresher courses in 21st century childcare reflects just how serious many grandparents are in being well-equipped to care for their grandchildren while their parents are away at work. The common option is to hire a nanny, but it can be costly.
Child care centers in Seoul teach modern-day lessons like using baby monitors and color-changing milk bottles, giving a baby massage and even choosing the right music for cognitive development of tots.
Grandparents lending a hand in child rearing are happening in other parts of the world. In the United States, educated grandparents with high incomes offer babysitting along with financial support to their immediate families.
This was confirmed by a study conducted by the MetLife Mature Market Institute in partnership with the nonprofit organization Generations United. From a sample of over a thousand grandparents aged 45 and older, 13 percent regularly provided care for at least one grandchild, and of these, 32 percent provide care most days of the week, Metropolitan life Insurance Company reported.
These scenarios highlight that in different corners of the world, seniors can make important contributions, as unofficial babysitters and augmenters of family income.
