Abstract
Grandparent?grandchild relationships play a critical role in children?s emotional, social, and developmental wellbeing, particularly during periods of family disruption. This article examines whether children possess a moral, psychological, and legal right to maintain meaningful relationships with their grandparents. Drawing on interdisciplinary research from psychology, sociology, education, and family law, the paper explores how grandparental involvement contributes to emotional security, attachment formation, resilience, academic performance, and intergenerational continuity. It also analyzes the adverse effects of forced separation from grandparents, including emotional distress, behavioral challenges, and long-term relational insecurity. Cross-cultural perspectives and international legal frameworks are considered, highlighting variations in how societies recognize and protect these relationships. The article argues that sustained contact between children and grandparents serves the best interests of the child and should be supported through ethical family practices and child-centered legal policies. Recognizing grandparents as vital contributors to child development can help mitigate the emotional harm caused by family conflict, divorce, and social fragmentation.
Keywords
Grandparent?grandchild relationships, Child emotional development, Attachment theory, Family conflict and separation, Intergenerational bonds, Child wellbeing, Family law and visitation right
Citations
IRE Journals:
Susan Wasserman "Do Children Have a Right to a Relationship with Their Grandparents?" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 9 Issue 7 2026 Page 1475-1480 https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I7-1713622
IEEE:
Susan Wasserman
"Do Children Have a Right to a Relationship with Their Grandparents?" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 9(7) https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I7-1713622
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IRE Journals is an open access online journals established with an aim to publish high quality of research work in various diciplines. We have more than 6 years in publications. Over 2500+ papers already published.
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