Grandparents and Rising Childcare Costs

Stacia Bourne and her mother, Mary Jo Galusha, spend cherished moments at Galusha’s home in Newark, Delaware, showcasing an emerging trend. Galusha, a retired schoolteacher, left Idaho for Newark to support her daughter’s family, highlighting how grandparents are stepping up to help due to increasing childcare costs in the U.S.

Bourne, a University of Delaware psychology professor residing in Maryland, faced financial hesitancy over expanding her family. “The cost for childcare is akin to our mortgage,” she noted when discussing having a second child. The couple’s decisions were influenced by Galusha’s offer to retire and relocate to assist with childcare. Months later, Galusha did retire and moved across the country, showcasing how family dynamics are changing due to economic pressures.

The childcare situation in America is pressing. Data from Child Care Aware of America noted that in 2025, the annual cost for children under five averaged $13,184. This expense rivals rent or tuition, leading families to lean on older generations, according to Nicole Jorwic from Caring Across Generations. “The current system lacks investment in affordable childcare, so grandparents are filling critical gaps,” she explained.

Factors Driving the Need for Childcare

Madonna Harrington Meyer, a sociology professor from Syracuse University, detailed factors necessitating increased childcare: a rise in full-time working parents, growing numbers of single mothers, and special needs children requiring attentive care. According to Pew Research Center, dual-income households with children rose to 52% in 2025, a significant increase from previous decades.

Grandparents like Jerry Larkin from Tulsa are part of this trend. Larkin shared, “In the ’60s, many moms stayed home. Nowadays, with both parents working, it’s different.” His caregiving during the pandemic mirrors many families relying on grandparents.

Reasons Grandparents Provide Care

Grandparents across the nation are increasingly involved in childcare, with nearly half engaging regularly to support their busy families, an AARP report showed. The unpaid contribution from grandparents is valued at approximately $731 billion annually, according to AARP estimates.

Meyer noted that shared parenting philosophies and cost-free care improve childcare flexibility compared to traditional daycare. “Grandparents offer adaptability, frequently visiting their grandchildren’s homes or inviting them over,” she stated.

Research indicates grandparents also benefit from caregiving, experiencing improved cognitive functions. However, Meyer highlighted challenges: “Many grandparents miss having carefree fun with grandchildren due to commitments like flute lessons or academic support.”

The Sacrifices Made by Grandparents

Grandparents, especially those relocating like Mary Jo Galusha, face sacrifices. The physical demands of childcare can be taxing, and relocating may affect their social lives. Critiques arose when political figures suggested grandparents should bear childcare costs without considering their circumstances.

Yalanda Lattimore, a blogger and podcaster, shared the career trade-off she made for her granddaughter: “I sacrifice my soap business and media career to support the family.” Despite the challenges, Lattimore, alongside millions in the grandparenting role, embraces their evolving priorities.

Navigating Childcare Aspects

Galusha coordinates closely with Bourne via shared calendars and plans to look after Robin until kindergarten. Yet the arrangement calls for periodic evaluations to ensure stability. Bourne acknowledged concerns over her mother’s relocation: “If she decides to move, we need alternatives.”

Lattimore emphasized that she aims for her daughter to enjoy work-life balance, contrasting her past experience. “Creating a supportive environment and avoiding the corporate struggle is key,” she reflected.

The narrative of grandparents like Galusha and Lattimore reinforces their vital role in navigating childcare amid rising expenses. Their stories exemplify how familial support adapts to meet modern challenges.