Rising Childcare Costs Drive Grandparents to Step In

Family Support Amid Rising Childcare Costs

Stacia Bourne and her mother, Mary Jo Galusha, cherish moments with Bourne’s children in Newark, Delaware. Galusha, once a schoolteacher, relocated from Idaho to aid her daughter. As childcare expenses surge in the U.S., many grandparents are increasingly stepping up. The decision for Stacia Bourne and her husband to expand their family was heavily influenced by financial concerns. Bourne, a University of Delaware psychology professor residing in Maryland, noted that their first child’s daycare costs matched their mortgage.

Grandparents Fill the Gap

The cost of childcare for their son, George, born in 2020, was daunting. Bourne’s mother, Galusha, offered to retire and move to support them.

Months later, Galusha retired and moved cross-country. She now lives in Newark, Delaware, providing 30 hours of weekly care for her grandchildren while Bourne works. Her dedication is profound. Galusha described the joy of watching her grandchildren grow.

The Role of Familial Support

Grandparents aiding in childcare is not a new phenomenon. However, childcare costs have made their support vital for many families. Child Care Aware of America reported the annual childcare cost for children under five in 2025 as $13,184. Nicole Jorwic from Caring Across Generations highlighted the lack of national childcare infrastructure.

Increasing Demand for Childcare

A rise in dual-income households and an increase in single-parent families intensify the need for childcare. Madonna Harrington Meyer from Syracuse University articulated that families with children requiring specialized care often resort to grandparents.

A Personal Sacrifice

Grandparents like Jerry Larkin and Yalanda Lattimore exemplify the sacrifices they make. Larkin moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, during the pandemic for his twin grandsons. Lattimore adjusted her career in Atlanta to care for her granddaughter, Mavee, impacting her business.

Benefits and Challenges of Grandparental Care

Grandparents invest considerable unpaid labor and emotional commitment. AARP data shows grandparents spend about 200 hours annually on childcare. They offer flexibility not found in formal daycare settings, and studies indicate mental health benefits from engaging with grandchildren.

Grandparents’ Burden

Despite the positive aspects, caregiving can be taxing for older individuals. Concerns arise from relocated grandparents dealing with separation from social circles and health issues. JD Vance’s suggestion for free grandparental care faced criticism for not addressing systematic gaps.

Balancing Responsibilities

Mary Jo Galusha’s move to Delaware demonstrates the personal and logistical efforts involved in grandparent care. Her support is facilitated by her pension, ensuring she can focus on her grandchildren. Galusha and her daughter use shared planning tools and adapt their arrangement as needed.

Lattimore reflects on providing for her granddaughter as a meaningful endeavor. Despite a shift in priorities, she believes in fostering work-life balance for her daughter to avoid past challenges.