Most Grandparents Use Outdated Parenting Methods

A recent study suggests that grandparents might not always offer the best care for their grandchildren, as their methods might be outdated. The guidelines and practices regarding child care have changed a lot over the past decades, and older people might not be aware that their older methods are no longer regarded as appropriate.

The study focused on 636 grandparents and surveyed them on the methods they use when taking care of their grandchildren. Results showed that most of them use obsolete parenting techniques which are no longer recommended by pediatricians.

• Grandparents use outdated parenting methods.
• Most of them are not aware that old school myths have been proven wrong.
• The most common mistakes are related to how they deal with minor health problems.

Although it might seem like not much has changed, there are still some old techniques which medicine found no longer suitable for child care. The study discovered how most of the grandparents relied on myths which were regarded as common knowledge during their time.

Thorough studies proved these myths wrong, but not everybody might be aware of that, if they are no longer in touch with the current parenting guidelines. Receiving help from your parents when raising your child could indeed be beneficial, but you only have to pay attention to common mistakes and try to avoid them.

Among the mistakes made by older people when taking care of their grandchildren, there are the ways in which they treat so-called minor health problems, such as fever. Forty-four percent of them reported that they would use ice baths. While this was a common practice several decades ago, it is now linked with a hypothermia risk.

Also, 25 percent of grandparents are not aware that the optimal sleep position for toddlers is on their back. An incorrect position is one of the main causes of sudden infant death syndrome, which modern parents are aware of, but grandparents seem to overlook.

Most grandparents can bring a positive input in their grandchildren’s lives, and they can contribute greatly to their evolution as human beings. However, parents should be careful that they inform grandparents of the current parenting guidelines and techniques.
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