The generational caregiving contract has quietly expired amid significant cultural and economic shifts.

A surprising trend has emerged in family dynamics across America: Baby Boomer grandparents are increasingly declining to provide regular childcare for their grandchildren, upending expectations that have governed family support systems for generations. These refusals aren’t rooted in indifference or lack of affection, but rather in profound lifestyle changes, shifting priorities, and evolving perspectives on retirement that often go unacknowledged in family conversations about childcare.
Understanding these genuine motivations can help bridge the expectation gap and foster healthier cross-generational relationships that acknowledge everyone’s needs and boundaries.












