6.10 Role of Extended Family in Child’s Growth
A Collective Web of Care Children are not just the responsibility of their parents; they are, in many cultures and particularly in Indian traditions, the cherished responsibility of the entire extended family. Grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins together weave a web of support, protection, and learning that enriches the child’s upbringing. This collective care model offers children a safer, more enriched environment where every adult figure plays a vital role. Whether it is a grandmother feeding the child at odd hours or a cousin teaching a new game, these interactions offer more than just temporary companionship—they build the foundation of a secure and emotionally grounded life. Elders often remember their own childhoods surrounded by a sea of familiar voices, each one guiding and contributing to their growth in ways that parents alone could never manage. Emotional Anchors Beyond Parents In the journey of growing up, a child encounters emotional highs and lows that are n...