Fewer U.S. grandparents are taking care of grandchildren, according to new data
According to the latest data from the U. S. Census Bureau, there has been a significant decline in the number of grandparents taking care of their grandchildren, decreasing from 7. 2 million between 2014-2018 to 6. 8 million from 2019-2023.
This shift in family dynamics may be attributed to various factors, including a reduction in opioid-related deaths and improvements in the economy. The data also reveals a drop in preschool enrollment, which can be linked to pandemic-related school closures and parents' reluctance to return their children to school settings. These trends reflect broader societal changes resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting both family relationships and early childhood education. Furthermore, the median age in the U. S.
has increased, and there has been a notable rise in households with access to technology. The data also indicates that rising home values and a decrease in vacant homes have contributed to fewer Americans relocating. Overall, these findings underscore the evolving landscape of American life and carry important implications for social policy and community support systems.