The impact of grandparent–parent co-parenting relationships in intergenerational co-parenting families on the behavior of preschool children: a scoping review

Background

In recent years, intergenerational co-parenting involving grandparents and parents has become a popular phenomenon in Asian society, especially in China. While existing research suggests that such co-parenting arrangements may significantly influence child behavioral outcomes, current evidence on the beneficial effects of grandparent–parent co-parenting on the behavioral development of children remains inconclusive, and its underlying mechanisms are still unclear.

Methods

This is a scoping review guided by the Arksey and O'Malley (2005) five-stage methodological framework. This review was conducted using the PRISMA-ScR guidelines for scoping reviews. Eleven Chinese and English databases were systematically searched.

Sample

In total, 25 studies were included in the scoping review, including 17 cross-sectional surveys, six longitudinal studies, and two randomized controlled trials.

Results

The findings demonstrated that a positive grandparent–parent co-parenting relationship was associated with fewer problem behaviors and higher levels of prosocial behaviors, self-reliance, social skills, social adaptability, self-control, and cognitive development among preschool children. In contrast, negative intergenerational co-parenting was related to problem behaviors and dependent behaviors in preschool children, as well as to lower levels of social competence and social adjustment. Grandparent–parent co-parenting consistency appears to facilitate the development of self-control behaviors in children, but empirical evidence does not support a significant association between intergenerational co-parenting relationships and child temperament.

Conclusion

The grandparent–parent co-parenting relationship plays an important role in the early behavioral development of children. Future research should emphasize the significance of developing a positive intergenerational co-parenting relationship in grandparent–parent co-parenting families and creating a healthy family environment.