Canberra, Oct 30 (The Conversation) Grandparents can play a fundamental role in families, yet they have often been overlooked in Australian history.

Grandparents and grand friends make significant contributions to helping share the load of caring for children.

Important cultural exchanges and friendships can develop with intergenerational relationships. Languages, cooking and history are often imparted from grand friends.

Grand friends are also increasingly being seen as part of the solution to housing affordability.

Our preliminary data show that generations of Australians have benefited from grandparenting far beyond its economic value. Reflecting on the contributions of grandparenting to the nation might even offer new ways to engage with current debates around immigration.

Modern

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