Juhi Parmar opens up about co-parenting with her mom and dad: ‘It takes six hands to raise my daughter’

Her experience highlights the importance of support networks in parenting, especially during transitions like divorce. For many single parents, raising a child becomes more manageable with the support of grandparents. But how does this family dynamic impact a child’s growth and emotional well-being?

Gurleen Baruah, organisational psychologist and executive coach at That Culture Thing, explains that the success of such arrangements often depends on how well roles are defined within the family. “Whether grandparents can fill the gap left by a father when raising grandchildren depends on many factors, which vary from family to family. Key influences include the family’s financial situation, social background, the grandparents’ personalities, and how clearly their roles in the family are defined.”

Consistency in care can have a notably positive impact on children. “If grandparents provide steady and loving care, with well-understood roles, children tend to adapt positively,” notes Baruah. She emphasises that grandparents who “bring warmth, stability, and consistency can create a strong sense of security and belonging.”

The key to successful co-parenting with grandparents lies in shared values and approaches. (Source: Freepik)

Creating stability through family support

Clear communication plays a vital role in helping children adjust to family restructuring. “Starting with a gentle, age-appropriate conversation helps the child understand that, although their father isn’t present, their grandparent is there to offer guidance, support, and love,” Baruah explains.

She adds that grandparents can provide essential emotional foundations through “sharing family stories, keeping up with family traditions, and modelling values like respect and kindness.” This steady presence helps children feel grounded and secure.

Building a united front

The key to successful co-parenting with grandparents lies in shared values and approaches. “When grandparents and parents agree on key values and have open conversations about what’s most important — like respect, honesty, or kindness — they create a unified approach for the child,” says Baruah.

This alignment creates a strong foundation for children’s development. “Setting clear boundaries, roles, and shared expectations helps provide consistency, making it easier for the child to understand what’s expected. Psychologically, this steady environment helps a child feel secure, supporting their emotional and moral growth.”

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