Raising Parents: A Grandmother's Unwavering Support in China | UNICEF

Why It Matters

The story highlights the widespread issue of ‘left-behind’ children and the reliance on elderly relatives as primary caregivers, with implications for child welfare, rural economic resilience, and social policy targeting support for grandparents and migrant families. Greater recognition and resources could improve outcomes for these children and reduce burdens on aging caregivers.

Summary

A grandmother in rural China describes raising her three grandchildren alone while their parents work far away, managing daily chores, farm work and childcare despite her age and health pains. She recounts carrying heavy children, teaching them hygiene and behavior, learning new parenting methods from community classes, and striving to provide emotional stability and basic needs. Though she feels tired and financially strained, she takes pride in keeping the children happy and hopes they will grow independent and remember her fondly. The account underscores the emotional labor and practical challenges of elder-led caregiving in migrant-worker communities.

Original Description

Meet Zhang Qin and her three grandchildren, Sichen, Muqing and Xingxing in China. She cares for her daughter's children while she is away for work, just as her parents once watched her children.

Different families. Different stories. With one thing in common: Whatever a family’s situation, growing up feeling loved makes a critical difference in a child’s life.

Click here to see all of the episodes of the Raising Parents series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzfcpxK7Y8rTihx-KSM90aebV6EbU3ai0

Subscribe to UNICEF on YouTube here: https://unicef.link/subscribe

Click here to see all of our latest trending videos: https://unicef.link/trending

For more about UNICEF's work, visit: https://unicef.link/website

Follow UNICEF here:

Instagram: http://instagram.com/UNICEF

X: https://x.com/unicef

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unicef

UNICEF blog: https://unicef.link/blog

UNICEF, the United Nations agency for children, works to protect the rights of every child, everywhere, especially the most disadvantaged children and in the toughest places to reach.

Across more than 190 countries and territories, we do whatever it takes to help children survive, thrive, and fulfil their potential.

Before, during, and after humanitarian emergencies, UNICEF is on the ground, bringing lifesaving help and hope to children and families. Impartial, non-political, and neutral, our focus is protecting every child and safeguarding their lives and futures.