53% of grandparents in Eretz Yisrael advise their children regarding the education of the grandchildren. One-third feels their children do not adequately heed their advice. 20% would like a bit less well-intentioned involvement in raising the grandchildren.

These figures were released by WIZO following a survey conducted ahead of Family Day, which is observed today, February 23, 2012, appearing in the Post Yisrael newspaper.

70% of grandparents play an active role in assisting in raising the grandchildren, and 50% see their grandchildren at least twice weekly. From among those grandparents who assist, 70% give direct assistance, at times in the form of babysitting or a ride, while 30% prefer to give financial assistance; to pay for a babysitter rather than being a babysitter. They also give money for clothing and toys.

The study also shows that the greater the involvement in the lives of the grandchildren, the more there is friction. 53% of the grandparents tell their children when they feel they are not parenting properly. 57% of the grandparents feel their level of involvement with the grandchildren is appropriate as opposed to 33% who feel that are not involved enough and 10% who feel they are too involved.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)