ABSTRACT
Concerning grandfathers, it has been found that males become more nurturant as they age, and one way in which men can express these qualities is through taking care of their grandchildren. The literature on grandparenthood gave strong support for the view that grandfathers feel positively towards their young grandchildren and are likely to participate in their care, particularly if help is needed. The question of whether the sex of the child mediates the influence exerted by the grandfather was explored because of indications that father effects are stronger for sons than daughters. The cognitive deficits and nonadaptive social functioning associated with children of teen mothers in the USA have been well-documented. The fact that the young children have not as yet demonstrated any deficits, that their attachment to their mothers appears to be secure and that their cognitive development is within the normal range, suggests that this is an ideal time for preventive intervention.
