Something that humans have known intuitively for thousands of years is that grandkids need their grandparents in their lives. It pays to lives close to one another, and now, science confirms it as well. A survey from the University of Oxford shows that grandparents significantly contribute to their grandchildren’s well-being when they spend time with them.

It’s a mutually beneficial relationship that everyone involved can appreciate.
For starters, you have numerous health benefits such as increased life expectancies. Then, once you consider how much joy there is in seeing a happy, smiling grandkid hanging out with their grandma and grandpa, it’s a no-brainer. These are 15 undeniable reasons why raising grandkids near their grandparents is so important.

1. Grandparents make incredible babysitters.
It’s a bit tongue-in-cheek to say it, as we all know that grandparents are so much more than that. However, there is no denying the fact that it’s really convenient when they live close by. Grandparents are individuals that can be trusted to look after the kids when parents are out taking care of other important matters. Plus, they are much cheaper than other childcare options.

2. It helps combat future ageism.
A study conducted in Belgium found that adolescents who have regular, positive contact with their grandparents show fewer signs of prejudice and discrimination against older people. Young adults who don’t have these interactions are more likely to develop ageist attitudes. Regular grandparent visits mean that kids learn to view the elderly in a positive light, instead of buying into negative stereotypes.

3. They can serve as a guiding light during rough times.
Grandparents are great at guiding kids in the right direction when things are getting stressful at home. Parents, understandably, have to be the bad guys sometimes when it comes to disciplining their kids. However, grandparents can serve as a safe harbor, allowing kids a calm place to weather the storm.

When grandparents say, “Don’t worry, everything is going to be okay,” it has a real calming effect. Because they are an additional trusted voice, separate from mom and dad, kids might be more open to listening.

4. Grandparents have the right words for every situation.
They are a treasure trove of wisdom and it would be doing the grandkids a big favor if they had regular access to all those riches. Raising grandkids near their grandparents can assure that the grandkids will receive the greatest gift that grandparents have to offer — their knowledge. They’ve been through all of the ups and downs before, so no matter whether it’s a good day or a bad one, they always know exactly what to say.