In the past two decades, the number of grandchildren living with grandparents has increased to about 1 in 8. Generations Now has featured several blogs about grandparents. To add to this anthology, I am sharing my story about a grandparent’s critical role in child nutrition.
In today’s fast-paced world, grandparents are more than just caretakers for their grandchildren. They are essential figures who play a crucial role in their grandchildren’s nutrition and overall well-being. This is especially true in Hispanic/Latino households, where food is not just a necessity but a cultural cornerstone that connects families. In my experience, I’ve seen how my mother has become an integral part of my young son’s life, ensuring he receives the care, love, and nutrition he needs to grow, develop, and thrive.
A Multigenerational Home
Living in a multigenerational home, the presence of my mother has been invaluable. As busy working parents, my husband and I often rely on her to take care of her grandson, especially when work demands out-of-town travel. Her involvement goes beyond caretaking; she prepares nutritious meals that are deeply rooted in our cultural heritage, such as arroz con pollo, or rice with chicken. These meals are more than just food—they are a means of expressing love and maintaining our cultural identity, and they are her special way of showing a caring and giving purpose in her role as “Grandma.”
‘My mother’s willingness to learn new nutrition strategies highlighted her dedication to my son’s well-being.’
In our Hispanic/Latino culture, food is a way to connect and demonstrate love. My mother’s dedication to making meals for my son provides her with a sense of joy. Cooking his favorite dishes not only ensures he gets the nutrition he needs but also strengthens their bond. This tradition of sharing meals is a beautiful way to pass down cultural values and create lasting memories, as well as to demonstrate her role in his growth and overall well-being.
The Challenges of Food Jags
Recently, my son went through a phase where he became extremely picky about what he ate, which is sometimes called a food jag. He was skipping meals, showing disinterest in mealtime and even in his favorite meals and snacks that Grandma made. My son—an active 5-year-old—was becoming more aware of his food preferences and often getting distracted and choosy about what he wanted to eat. My mother was understandably concerned when her grandson started rejecting many of the foods he once loved, and she feared that he wasn't getting enough nutrition to remain healthy. I remember her once calling me while I was out; she was so stressed thinking she was doing something wrong and not taking good care of her own grandson.
As a pediatric registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) who has worked with many families to address similar concerns, I introduced my mother to the benefits of oral nutrition supplements (ONS) (see Box below).
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Pediatric Oral Nutrition Supplements (ONS)
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ONS can help fill nutrition gaps during childhood phases of selective eating, ensuring that kids like my son receive the essential nutrients needed to grow, develop, and stay healthy. My mom learned that these food patterns are normal in children. And using ONS not only alleviated my mom’s worries but also empowered her to continue in her role as a nurturing grandmother. In addition, this experience underscored how food and nutrition are central to our family connections. My mother’s willingness to adapt and learn about new nutrition strategies highlighted her dedication to my son’s well-being and shone a light on the role grandparents can have in their grandchildren’s nutrition. Together, my mom and I worked out a plan that ensured my son would continue to grow healthily and be happy.
Conclusion
Grandparents play a pivotal role in the nutritional well-being of grandchildren, especially in multigenerational and culturally rich households like ours. They can exert significant influence on a child’s diet and health. And they bring wisdom, love and a deep connection to family traditions and heritage that enrich the lives of their grandchildren in profound ways.
My mother’s involvement in my son’s nutrition not only supports his growth but also strengthens our family bond. By embracing the role of ONS, my mother continues to fulfill her cherished role as a grandmother, ensuring my son’s nutrition needs are met, and fostering a deeper connection between them. Grandparents are the unsung heroes of childhood nutrition. They provide a foundation of love, stability and cultural identity that helps children thrive.
Andie Lee Gonzalez, PhD, MPH, RDN, LD, FAND, is a medical science liaison for Pediatric Nutrition Scientific and Medical Affairs with the Abbott Nutrition Products Division of Abbott in Columbus, Ohio.
Photo credit: Shutterstock/Komuso and Colorsandia
