The moment in which we realize that the hair is painted white and the face begins to add wrinkles everywhere, that is the moment in life where one has accumulated experiences and wisdom, transforming us into dear and humble grandparents. Grandparents are one of the most influential figures in the family, making them the true protagonists of our childhood and adult life. In Hispanic and Asian families, grandparents are a fundamental pillar in the upbringing and education of grandchildren.

Grandparents give us great emotional support and we learn our core values, such as respect, effort, and love, thanks to them. They are the best storytellers and the keepers of traditions. They are wise role models who teach and share their values with the new generations. Grandparents offer support, love, and guidance. July 26, 2022, is Grandparents' Day and on this day we celebrate them and the relationships we have created with them. This is an opportunity to reconnect and pay tribute to all the grandparents. Grandparents aren't with us forever, so make the most of it and make time to do something special to celebrate them.

This blog will focus on our grandparents’ different and vital roles in the Hispanic vs. USA culture. Each family grows up with different values, norms, and traditions that make them unique. We will compare and contrast the role grandparents play in each culture. Let us rescue our grandparents’ values and give them their place in our family and our lives.

The Role of Grandparents in Hispanic Culture:
Family is everything in the Hispanic culture. “ Familyism, according to the CDC, is the value of the family above individual needs” (Judit Covarrubias García). This means that family will always be the number one priority and we will support each other in the good and difficult moments of life. So what role exactly do grandparents play? In the Hispanic culture and many other communities such as the Asian one, families will care for and continue to live with their grandparents for as long as they can because they understand their value in terms of wisdom and guidance to the family. Once parents are older, they most often move in with their adult children or vice versa (Judit Covarrubias García). This means that nursing homes are a big NO for our culture and become a last resort. Grandparents often provide support to their adult children as well as, care for their grandchildren when needed. This creates a strong bond between grandparents and their grandchildren throughout their lives.

The Role of Grandparents in the Culture of the United States:
In the United States, grandparents also take on an important role in American families, but in a slightly different way. In many families, grandparents take on the role of caretakers for their grandchildren. Grandparents take on a great responsibility. According to Madonna Harrington Meyer, "50% of American grandparents provide financial assistance to their adult children and grandchildren." After retirement, grandparents are more likely to provide financial support to their families. Grandparents are relied on for childcare and financial needs as they have built strong ties with their adult children and grandchildren. Unlike in the Hispanic culture, grandparents who move into their adult children's homes tend to be less educated and less likely to be employed than grandparents in grandparent-maintained households (Madonna Harrington). It is much more common that grandparents do not want to interfere in the lives of their children and prefer to live alone in private or public retirement homes. However, this stems from a personal pride in feeling self-sufficient.

However, at this time given the transition of our countries to this one, there is a mixture between the two cultures. Grandparents come with the tradition of our countries and expect to be cared for by their children and grandchildren, and the new generations, especially those born in this country, feel a detachment from them and no responsibility. This creates a gap, leading in many cases to abandonment. Some grandparents need more support and information than others. Many simply want to know more about what is available in the community that could benefit them and their families. Grandparents are also just looking for ongoing and consistent support groups.
 

At Rocio Life Coach we believe in the value of grandparents and their contribution to our family and we want to know your point of view on this subject. Do you think grandparents are responsible for their children?

Websites used:
https://family.lovetoknow.com/family-values/mexican-family-culture

https://lifestylesover50.com/lifestyle/280-how-grandparents-have-changed

https://academic.oup.com/innovateage/article/1/2/igx023/4582358?gclid=CjwKCAjw2rmWBhB4EiwAiJ0mtao97p0DT1tMHQxv9qslsV08Sbkrx1KTRJ0lD5_A6vqCnnux6Ev10RoCjMcQAvD_BwE