5 mistakes grandparents make that lead to tension with parents, according to a paediatrician

Mistakes grandparents make: Some grandparents believe in using natural home remedies or end up giving leftover medicines to grandchildren, including antibiotics or cough syrups, which may delay proper diagnosis or cause side effects (Image: Pexels)

• Grandparents may overfeed, disrupt sleep, or use outdated remedies for kids.
• Excessive screen time and limiting outdoor play are common grandparent mistakes
• Open communication helps balance traditional care with modern medical guidance

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It is undeniable that grandparents play one of the most invaluable roles in a child’s life, instilling moral values, passing on cultural traditions, and giving children the care and attention they need. This is because they are actively and deeply involved in the daily lives and routines of children in many households.

Dr Nehal Shah, Consultant, Paediatric Medicine, at Narayana Health SRCC Children’s Hospital, Mumbai, told Moneycontrol, “While grandparents mostly think and act based on their own experiences and affections, some of their practices rooted in older and traditional beliefs may not align with parents or the current medical scenario.”

Common mistakes grandparents make

Here are five common mistakes grandparents make:

Overfeeding and using food as an expression of love

One of the most common practices is grandparents offering snacks and goodies like biscuits, chocolates, and sugary treats to children even when they are not hungry. This makes them habitual snackers between meals, which is not good for them. “For them, it is a form of love and affection, but what they miss is the fact that if continued frequently, children can develop unhealthy eating habits, which can cause obesity, poor appetite, and constipation,” Dr Shah explained.

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Disrupting sleep routines

Grandparents allow children to sleep excessively during the day, which pushes their bed time even further in the night. This affects their behaviour and overall health. Dr Shah noted, “While this may seem harmless, consistent sleep schedules are crucial for a child’s growth, immunity, behaviour, and learning. Poor sleep often shows up as irritability, reduced attention span, and frequent illness.”

Using home remedies or old Medicines without medical advice or supervision

Often times, grandparents believe in using natural home remedies or end up giving leftover medicines to grandchildren, including antibiotics or cough syrups, which may delay proper diagnosis or cause side effects." Children process medicines differently from adults, making unsupervised medication potentially risky, especially for infants and toddlers,” Dr Shah said.

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Excessive screen time to keep children occupied

Dr Shah pointed out, “Using mobile phones or television as a distraction tool can reduce physical activity and impact eye health, attention span, and social interaction. Children benefit far more from interactive play, conversations, and real-world experiences.” Grandparents often overlook this aspect and side with the children when parents object.

Overprotectiveness that limits physical play

It is natural for children to get injured or catch an infection when they go to school or play with friends. Grandparents often end up objecting to outdoor activity in fear that it would do more harm than good, but that’s not the case. Dr Shah said, “Supervised physical play is essential for bone strength, motor development, immunity, confidence, and emotional resilience.”

While this may lead to a clash with parents, it is important to recognise that these behaviours usually stem from care and concern, not neglect. What is needed is open communication between parents, grandparents, and paediatricians, which helps update caregiving practices with current medical guidance. This balance allows children to benefit from both generational wisdom and modern healthcare knowledge, creating a healthier environment for growth.