When grandparents can step in to help with childcare, it can be a huge support. 5 families show how it's not always that simple.

10 hours ago 3

A grandmother playing with her grandkids on the floor.

Of all the costs associated with child-rearing, childcare is often the biggest piece of the pie.
When grandparents are willing and able to pitch in, it can be a big relief.
But not all families have that option, and those that do will tell you it's not always that simple.

Finding reliable childcare is a tall task for many parents — and that's without taking into consideration the cost. And that cost is only rising — as previously reported by Business Insider, between 2023 and 2025, the average annual cost of childcare rose from $11,752 to $17,836, an increase of 51.8%. So when grandparents can step in, it can provide an enormous relief.

However, it's not always that easy. For many, proximity is an issue. For others, differences in parenting philosophies can make the solution a tricky one. And some parents don't have the option of asking their own parents for support at all — some grandparents are not physically able, some are still working themselves, and some may simply not feel like it.

If this resonates with you, you'll want to read on.

Moving closer to grandparents turned out to be the right decision for a family of 4.

Grandparents walking down the street holding hands with their grandkids, who are wearing backpacks.

Bethaney Phillips and her family moved halfway across the country to be closer to her parents four years ago. Her mom was their day care provider before their two kids entered school, and her parents still spend time with their grandkids regularly.

Read more about their story and the benefits of living so close to family.

Even though there are some differences in parenting styles, this mom is still grateful for the help from her kids' grandparents.

A grandmother walking down a path, holding one child while one child walks beside her.

Lauren Finney Harden also relies on her boomer parents when she needs childcare. There have been some hiccups along the way, including differences in parenting styles, but she says her parents do their best, and she feels lucky to have their help.

Read more about why she calls her kids' grandparents her "secret weapon."

A grandmother who once was paid $10 an hour to take care of her granddaughter now does the job for free.

A close-up of a grandmother and granddaughter spending time together.

When Jo Storm's daughter-in-law was pregnant, her son made a big request: he asked if she'd consider leaving her job to care for their child. Without a second thought, she said yes, and they arranged to pay her for childcare. That was about 10 years ago, and now, she gladly does it for free.

Read about why she calls taking care of her granddaughter a rewarding job.

Although they live five hours away, this mom still makes sure her sons get quality time with their grandparents.

A grandfather sitting on a dock with his grandson.

Living far from grandparents can make it hard to see them regularly, but Lindsay Karp still finds a way to get her kids quality time with them. Every year, she sends her two sons to her in-laws' house for a week or two. Not only do they get time with their grandparents, but she and her husband get time to reconnect, as well.

Read about this family's annual tradition of allowing the grandparents to take the reins for a week or two.

However, this grandmother doesn't feel she should have to defend her choice not to provide regular childcare.

Grandmother holding a grandchild, close-up shot.

Elise Seyfried raised five children far away from her own mother, and says she figured it out by cobbling together childcare through teenage babysitters and a neighborhood babysitting co-op. Now, she works full-time as a writer, and although she loves her grandkids deeply, she enjoys not being tied to providing regular childcare.

Read about why she doesn't babysit her grandchildren regularly — and why she doesn't feel she should have to defend the choice.