Grandparents parenting their grandchildren is a growing phenomenon that is gaining attention worldwide. In the United States, there are currently over 2.7 million grandparents raising their grandkids.  While this arrangement can be beneficial for both the grandparents and the children, it also poses significant challenges for the elderly caregivers.

The rise of grandparenting as a parenting role can be attributed to various factors such as changing family structures, economic challenges, and shifts in societal norms. Grandparents often step in to provide care and support for their grandchildren due to circumstances such as parental illness, divorce, or single-parent households. While this role can be rewarding, it also presents unique challenges and stressors that can impact the mental health of seniors.

The Impact of Parenting on Seniors’ Mental Health: Nurturing Relationships for Emotional Well-being

One of the primary challenges faced by grandparents who are parenting their grandkids is the strain on their mental health. A qualitative study conducted in Hong Kong revealed that grandparents who cared for their grandchildren experienced higher levels of depression and stress than those who did not. These mental health issues are often due to the additional responsibilities that come with raising a young child, coupled with the fact that many grandparents are past retirement age and may be dealing with their own health issues.

While being a caregiver might bring immense satisfaction, it can also take a toll on the grandparent’s mental and physical health, social life, and economic stability. Studies show that senior caregivers often experience higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress than their non-caregiving peers.

Intergenerational Relationships and Mental Health in Seniors

Multigenerational living fosters thriving relationships, which has become increasingly important as aging populations seek new ways to engage with younger generations and enhance their overall quality of life.  One of the most significant elements of these relationships is the impact they have on seniors’ mental health. Recent studies suggest that grandparents who are actively involved in the lives of their grandkids may experience a range of benefits from improved emotional health to greater life satisfaction.

Research from several European countries has shown that grandparents who provide care for their grandkids report higher levels of subjective well-being and life satisfaction and this effect appears to be particularly strong when relationships between grandparents and grandchildren are positive. These findings have been supported by longitudinal studies across Western countries which suggest a strong positive relationship between intergenerational relationships and the mental health of seniors.

However, the picture is not entirely clear, as some studies have also suggested that grandparents who take on the role of primary caregiver may experience negative mental health outcomes. A recent study conducted in Hong Kong, for example, found that grandparents who provided care for their grandchildren experienced higher levels of depressive symptoms and lower levels of health-related quality of life and self-reported health.

It is important to note that various factors play a role in the impact of grandkids caregiving on mental health outcomes. For example, marital status, education level, and social activity can all influence psychological well-being. Additionally, the presence of chronic illness and social isolation can exacerbate adverse mental health outcomes.

Social Activity, Education Level, and Depressive Symptoms in Seniors

For seniors who may be retired, have lost a spouse, or have limited mobility, social activity is often key to maintaining mental health and well-being. Studies have shown that social activity can have a positive impact on depressive symptoms and overall life satisfaction in seniors.

Interestingly, education level has also been found to play a role in mental health outcomes for seniors. Those with higher levels of education have more opportunities for social engagement and greater access to resources and information. In turn, this can lead to a greater sense of control over their lives and an increased ability to manage stress and other challenges.

However, it’s important to note that depressive symptoms can still arise in seniors regardless of education level or social activity. Identifying and managing these symptoms is crucial for maintaining overall mental health. This may involve seeking professional help or therapy, engaging in physical activity, and finding ways to connect with others who share similar experiences.

Overall, social activity and education level are important factors in maintaining mental health and well-being in seniors. By staying socially engaged and continuing to learn and grow, seniors can greatly improve their quality of life and reduce the likelihood of experiencing depressive symptoms.

Positive Impact of Grandparenting on Mental Health:

1. Sense of Purpose and Meaning: Parenting as a grandparent can provide seniors with a renewed sense of purpose and meaning in their lives. Caring for grandkids allows them to contribute actively to the growth and development of the younger generation, ensuring a sense of fulfillment and generativity.

2. Increased Social Interaction: Grandparenting offers seniors increased social interaction, which is crucial for maintaining mental well-being. Regular contact with grandchildren provides opportunities for companionship, emotional connection, and the development of intergenerational bonds.

3. Enhanced Cognitive Stimulation: Engaging in childcare activities can help seniors stay mentally active and stimulate cognitive functions. Activities like reading, playing, and teaching can positively impact memory, problem-solving abilities, and overall cognitive health.

4. Emotional Support: The emotional bond between grandparents and grandchildren provides a valuable source of emotional support for seniors. Grandchildren often bring joy, laughter, and affection, which can alleviate feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety among older adults.

Challenges and Potential Negative Impact:

1. Physical and Emotional Stress: Parenting at an older age can be physically and emotionally demanding. Seniors may experience increased fatigue, sleep disturbances, and compromised physical health due to the demands of childcare. The stress associated with balancing their own needs with those of their grandkids can contribute to feelings of overwhelm and emotional strain.

2. Financial Burden: Raising grandchildren can impose a financial burden on seniors, especially if they are on fixed incomes or have limited resources. Financial stressors can lead to anxiety, worry, and compromised mental well-being.

3. Loss of Personal Freedom: Grandparenting often requires seniors to make personal sacrifices, such as giving up hobbies, social engagements, or travel opportunities. The loss of personal freedom and autonomy can lead to feelings of frustration, resentment, and a sense of being trapped.

4. Lack of Support: Many grandparents parenting their grandchildren may experience a lack of support from the community and limited access to resources. Isolation and a lack of assistance can amplify the stress and strain associated with grandparenting, negatively impacting mental health.

Nurturing Relationships for Emotional Well-being:

To mitigate the potential negative impact and promote positive mental health outcomes, nurturing relationships are crucial for seniors parenting as grandparents. Here are some strategies to consider:

• Self-Care: Seniors need to prioritize self-care and maintain their own physical and emotional well-being. This includes seeking support, practicing stress management techniques, engaging in regular physical activity, and pursuing hobbies and interests that bring them joy and fulfillment.

• Seek Support Networks: Connecting with support groups, community organizations, and other grandparents in similar situations can provide a valuable network for sharing experiences, resources, and emotional support. Online platforms and local community centers

Author: Olivia Turner

Picking the right school for your child is a big decision and not one to be taken lightly. From public schools to private institutions, choosing where to send your child greatly impacts their learning potential and opportunities for personal growth. You want them to get the best education possible while also feeling comfortable in their environment.

It’s important to also consider how the chosen school will fit with your family’s values and beliefs. With so many factors to consider when selecting a school, narrowing down your options can be daunting—but we’re here to help make this process easier!

In this blog post, we’ll discuss all of the various aspects you should contemplate when picking out an educational institution for your child.

Identify the key areas of importance for you and your child

Choosing the right school for your child can be overwhelming with so many different options out there, but identifying key areas of importance can help narrow down your choices. Of course, one primary factor is the school’s academic program and curriculum. You want to ensure that the school’s approach to education aligns with your views.  If you wish your child to attend a British international school, research the school’s culture of learning and expectations that play a crucial role in your child’s development.

Take time to understand their overall mission to determine if it’s a good fit for your family. Lastly, don’t forget to involve your child in the decision-making process. Their thoughts and opinions matter and can provide valuable insight into what school would be the best fit for them. By considering these key areas, you can make an informed decision and set your child up for success in their academic journey.

Consider the location, size, and structure of the school

When considering the right school for your child, take into account the location, size, and structure of the institution. Every child’s comfort zone is different when it comes to how large or how intimate their surroundings are.  Is it close enough to home for easy transport and a convenient routine? Beyond proximity, the learning atmosphere and social activities provided by the school should be appropriately balanced to cater to your child’s specific needs and interests.

If your child prefers smaller classrooms, a large school may not be the best choice. Observe the classrooms, libraries, laboratories, and how close they are to each other.  Pay attention to the cleanliness, organization, and availability of resources. A safe, well-maintained, and stimulating environment can significantly enhance your child’s learning experience. Ultimately, finding the right school takes some time and effort, but the benefits of a well-suited learning environment for your child can make all the difference in their academic growth.

Research the curriculum offered at each school

Every school has its unique approach to education.  Their academic philosophy may not align with your child’s learning style and interests.  Some schools may focus on traditional teaching methods, while others emphasize project-based learning or technology integration. Additionally, the school you are researching may offer specialized programs such as language immersion or music education.  Is there a balance between crucial core subjects and those that spark a child’s creativity and imagination.  Whenever possible, speaking to individual teachers and ask them about their teaching style.

Research the school’s approach to involving parents in their child’s learning journey, such as parent-teacher associations, regular progress reports, and open communication channels. A school that values and encourages parental involvement can foster a collaborative and supportive educational environment.

Learn about extracurricular activities available

A school with a strong academic focus but limited extracurricular options may not be the best fit for a student who loves sports or the performing arts.  Look beyond academics and inquire about the activities and special programs offered. Consider your child’s interests.  Extracurricular activities are a vital aspect of a child’s upbringing, as they not only provide a fun and interactive way to spend their free time but also help them to develop important life skills.

If you are wondering about the variety of activities that your child can explore outside of school hours, there is a whole world of possibilities waiting for them.  From joining sports teams to participating in clubs and societies, there are plenty of activities catered to different interests and age groups. Perhaps your child is passionate about music or drama, or maybe they want to hone their leadership skills through participating in a youth group.

Although there is no perfect or one-size-fits-all school, commit to staying informed on current educational trends, as well as on the practices and policies of each school. This will help ensure that you make the best possible decision for your child’s education. Also, it is essential to take into consideration your child’s personal interests and preferences when selecting a school; it should be a place where they can be safe, feel comfortable, and grow in their learning experience.

Additional Resources for finding a school that suits your child:

Looking for a school in the United States?  Consider these online destinations for evaluating educational institutions.

Community development is a complex field that requires knowledge and understanding of many different areas. Sociology can be incorporated into community development to promote community cohesion and well-being. Today, we will explore how sociology helps inform community development by addressing various issues.

These include poverty, inequality, power structures, decision-making processes, and collective action. It will also look closely at sociologists’ role in advocating for social justice within communities — locally and globally.

By delving into this issue from a sociological perspective, we will gain insight into strategies that can help us develop stronger relationships between people living in local neighborhoods or across regions worldwide.

Explanation Of The Concept Of Social Cohesion and Its Importance For Communities

Expert Amy Wilkins in Longmont, CO, says social cohesion refers to a community’s unity and sense of togetherness. A community can be a group of people who live in the same area or share common values and interests. It is characterized by a shared sense of belonging, mutual trust, and a willingness to work towards common goals. Social cohesion is essential for building strong communities because it fosters a sense of solidarity and promotes social inclusion.

When people feel connected and valued by their community, they are more likely to participate in community activities, engage in civic life, and support each other during difficult times. Therefore, communities must prioritize social cohesion as a foundation for promoting social well-being and resilience.

Identifying Key Factors That Create Strong Social Bonds In A Community

Tightly-knit and resilient communities often have strong social bonds between members. But what creates these bonds? It turns out there are several key factors. One of the most important is a shared sense of identity and purpose – when a community has a vital common goal, it helps to bring people together and create a sense of belonging. Regular social interactions and activities, such as community events and gatherings, also play an essential role.

Trust between members is crucial for building strong social bonds. When people feel they can rely on their neighbors and community members, they are more likely to form enduring connections. In short, a sense of purpose, social interactions, and trust are critical ingredients for creating strong social bonds within a community.

Strategies To Foster Inclusive Dialogue And Cooperation Between Citizens

In today’s polarized political climate, finding common ground and creating meaningful dialogue between citizens with differing opinions and beliefs can be challenging. However, fostering inclusive dialogue and cooperation is more critical than ever before. One strategy is to create safe spaces for conversations and encourage active listening. By genuinely hearing each other’s perspectives and respectfully sharing our own, we can build mutual understanding and find areas of agreement.

Promoting diversity and inclusion within our communities can help ensure all voices are heard and valued. Through intentional efforts and a willingness to engage with each other, we can bridge divides and work towards a brighter future for all citizens.

Examples Of Successful Initiatives That Have Achieved Social Cohesion In A Variety Of Contexts

Social cohesion is vital to any community, and successful initiatives that foster this cohesion are invaluable. Such initiatives can take many forms, depending on the context, but their goal is to unite people. For example, in the United States, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and a focus on empowering BIPOC communities have significantly promoted racial unity.

In Germany, a “Meet Up!” project has successfully integrated refugees into society by pairing them up with locals. In India, the “Anaadi Foundation” brings together children from different caste backgrounds and provides them with learning opportunities. These initiatives show us that we all share a common desire for unity regardless of our cultural environment.

The Role Of Government In Promoting Social Cohesion And Well-Being

Amy Wilkins says the role of government in promoting social cohesion and well-being is critical to the success of any society. Governments have the power to create policies and implement measures that foster a sense of community and ensure that all members of society have access to essential services and opportunities. By promoting social cohesion, governments can strengthen individual bonds, mitigate conflict and increase community cooperation. This, in turn, can lead to enhanced well-being as individuals feel more connected and supported by their society.

Whether it’s providing access to healthcare, education, or employment opportunities, the role of government in promoting social cohesion and well-being is paramount. It is clear that without government intervention, these essential services are often not available to everyone, leading to a breakdown of social cohesion and weakened well-being. Therefore, governments must prioritize policies that promote equality, opportunity, and equity for all members of society.

Evaluation Of Current Programs For Community Development Through An Applied Sociology Lens

Community development is a topic that has gained a lot of attention in recent years due to its impact on the social and economic growth of various societies. Applied sociology offers a unique lens to evaluate current community development programs, allowing for a deeper understanding of the underlying social processes and power dynamics. When evaluated using this approach, programs can be assessed regarding their effectiveness and potential impact on the communities they serve.

This critical analysis helps identify which programs are working and which need improvement. Through a sociological perspective, key issues such as social inequality, community cohesion, and public participation can be identified and addressed, leading to better outcomes for the communities in question.

Conclusion

Applying sociology to community development is essential for cultivating social cohesion and achieving successful outcomes. It enables us to understand distinct populations’ unique needs, values, and perspectives, identify structural and institutional barriers that impede progress, foster inclusive dialogue between citizens, and create effective strategies for promoting well-being.

It is clear from the evidence presented in this blog post that communities can benefit substantially when governments prioritize their collective welfare by recognizing and responding to local concerns.

From understanding collective identities to inspiring collaboration through public engagement, sociology allows us to address social inequalities while developing a shared sense of purpose. By recognizing these dynamics, we can create sustainable initiatives for social transformation that will strengthen the resilience of our communities over time.

TikTok has been in the news off and on these past couple of years. Mainly, the discussion keeps coming back to the issue of harvesting of user data. It’s possible that the Chinese government could access sensitive user information on devices where TikTok is installed.

As a result, the US Federal Government has banned the use of the app on all government devices and the State of Montana even passed legislation implementing a total ban on TikTok for its residents.

Although the privacy concerns are alarming, TikTok has also been in the news for its devastating effects on the mental health of its users, especially teens, and preteens who use the app for multiple hours per day. It’s highly addictive even for adults due to the constant barrage of short relevant and interesting videos catered for each individual user.

There are still many studies being done on the effects of social media on the mental health of teens and preteens.  However, one of the biggest mental health problems concerning social media, and specifically TikTok, is a result of cyberbullying.

Cyberbullying is a major problem across all social media platforms, including TikTok. It’s estimated that there is a 64% chance that a TikTok user under the age of 18 will experience cyberbullying on the app. That is quite an alarming statistic given that roughly 32.5% of all TikTok users are between the ages of 10 and 19.

So, what exactly is cyberbullying and what does it look like on TikTok? Let’s answer these questions as well as discuss some of the ways to recognize if your child is being bullied online and what you can do to ensure their emotional safety.

What is cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is a behavior that consists of repeated and intentional posting of photos, information, and/or rumors and lies about another person on social media and other online platforms. The posts can consist of live streams, videos, photos, text, and direct messages that are intended to be offensive and inflict psychological harm on an individual.

Victims of cyberbullying can often feel anxious, angry, depressed, embarrassed, scared, and sad. Additionally, victims of cyberbullying can receive threats to their safety and be the target of physical attacks.

All of these factors can be extremely damaging to an individual, especially an adolescent during their physical, emotional, and psychological development. The damage can be so great that adolescent suicides linked to cyberbullying have become a major concern. Teen online therapy is an excellent option for addressing the emotional challenges caused by cyberbullying, providing a safe space for teens to talk about their experiences.

According to an NIH-funded study of 10,000 adolescents, the participants who experienced cyberbullying in their lives were four times as likely to also report suicidal thoughts.

The worst part of cyberbullying is that a cyber-bully can send and share images, videos, and texts without ever physically facing the other person. The digital aspect of cyberbullying in a way removes the human aspect from the equation making cyberbullying incredibly easy to do for a bully who doesn’t need to witness or experience firsthand the consequences of the online abuse.

What does cyberbullying look like on TikTok?

Cyberbullying on TikTok can come in many forms. Whether it’s intimidation, verbal abuse, blackmail, or another type of cyberbullying, TikTok can be dangerous to children if certain precautions are not taken.

Additionally, cyberbullying not only can come from peers like other children from school or the neighborhood, but it can also come from strangers of any age from anywhere in the world. It is scary to think that an adult male in another country could be verbally abusing your teenage daughter and causing her to feel anxious or depressed about her looks.

The most common form of cyberbullying on TikTok comes from users commenting on content. When a person uploads a video onto the platform, users can leave comments. Although those comments can come with praise and support, often those comments can be mean, hurtful, and even dark. Negative comments about how someone looks or acts can be psychologically damaging, especially for people who are younger and may already suffer more from self-esteem and emotional issues.

Another form of cyberbullying on TikTok includes uploading pictures or videos of victims being abused in person. Bullies can live-stream or record a video of them verbally abusing and even physically assaulting another person for others to watch and participate in by leaving hurtful comments and spreading the content. When live-streamed, this form of bullying can be extremely dangerous as often adolescents can be motivated to take things too far when they are being egged on.

Lastly, some forms of cyberbullying on TikTok can be extremely harmful and take abuse to a whole new level. The same ways that cybercriminals use tactics such as social engineering, which has been one of the biggest cybersecurity-related risks in the past year, to gain the trust of unsuspecting victims can be used to gain the trust of your child to obtain personal information from them.

Information such as where they live, how old they are, where they go to school, or what their sexual orientation may be, can be used to bully, intimidate, or blackmail your child to do things they don’t want to do, or worse yet, actually put them in danger of kidnapping or sexual assault. Sexual predators may be able to “groom” your child for sexual abuse through TikTok by posing as someone of a similar age, with similar interests, or pose as someone they may admire.

What signs should you look for to recognize if your child is being bullied online?

The signs that your child may be suffering from cyberbullying on TikTok are similar to the signs you may see if they were suffering from any other type of bullying. They may seem more anxious, agitated, depressed, or sad, and essentially, they may not act like themselves. They can also seem avoidant and no longer interested in things that they normally love to do including spending time on TikTok, playing sports, and participating in other after-school activities.

Additionally, your child could make some comments about how they are feeling or that they are having problems with someone on TikTok which could be very revealing. Make sure to always listen to your child and read between the lines to help determine if they are hiding something from you such as being bullied online.

Also, if you know your child is using TikTok to create content, you may want to have your account so you can review comments that other users are making. As discussed before, the most common type of bullying that occurs on TikTok is through hurtful negative comments filled with insults, derogatory terms, and threats. By creating your account, you can actively see who is commenting on your child’s content and what they are saying.

What can you do if your child is being bullied on TikTok?

If your child is being bullied on TikTok, you may think the easiest thing to do is just delete the app. However, that is not always possible, especially if your child wants to continue to create content and participate in the TikTok community.

The best way to address cyberbullying on TikTok without deleting the app is to make the account private. If your child is under the age of 16, then the account should already be private, however, sometimes children lie about their age. Either way, by making a TikTok account private, your child will only receive direct messages from people they know.

With a private account, you can approve or deny follower requests as well as manage who is allowed to comment on your content. You can even use a comment filter to automatically filter out comments containing specific keywords that you indicate as offensive.

After you make your child’s TikTok account private, another thing you can do to help protect your child from cyberbullying on TikTok and other platforms is to install and use parental monitoring apps. There are many parental monitoring apps available that allow you to monitor who your child is talking to on social media, and what is being said, while even allowing you to create a list of trigger words that will send you a notification anytime your child sends or receives a message containing one of those words.

Lastly, if you suspect your child is being bullied on TikTok, it is time to open up the lines of communication to help them through this tough situation before it spirals out of control and lasting emotional and psychological damage is done.

About the Author:
Ryan Harris is a copywriter focused on eLearning and the digital transitions going on in the education realm. Before turning to writing full time, Ryan worked for five years as a teacher in Tulsa and then spent six years overseeing product development at many successful Edtech companies, including 2U, EPAM, and NovoEd.