New research from the United Kingdom says that grandparents can play a role in their grandchild’s risk of cancer.
Wait?…what? Researchers looked at multiple studies across 18 different countries and examined the impact that grandparents had on their grandchildren. Behaviors such as smoking, poor diet choices and lack of exercise had an affect on the children. Additionally, grandparents who habitually gave ‘treats’ often overfed their grandchildren…subtly pushed them into a more sedentary lifestyle. These behaviors can lead to obesity, diabetes and multiple forms of cancer.
Grandparents don’t mean to cause harm…but…
Not only are the grandchildren being affected, the parents are often aware of what is happening, don’t approve but feel powerless to change things. It can be a source of family discord. Do you remember what you loved best about your grandparents? Maybe their stories? Maybe how they listened, without interruptions, to your stories? Their hugs? I doubt it was just the cookies.
Susan Badaracco MD, Pediatrician and author of “The Oath: Maddy and Silenus”
