
The Brian Lehrer Show Grandparenting as Paid Labor?
Oct 10, 2025
Marina Lopes, an author and foreign correspondent, dives into the intriguing idea of compensating grandparents for childcare, drawing from her experiences in Singapore. She discusses how grandparents often serve as primary caregivers, frequently supported by government subsidies. Lopes highlights the importance of recognizing this often invisible labor, addressing how cultural norms influence caregiving. She also touches on practical alternatives and the necessity of public support to ease the burden on families.
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Grandparenting As Valued Labor
- Marina Lopes observed that Singapore treats grandparenting as a serious role often supported by monthly allowances around 10% of adult income.
- This creates reciprocal caregiving where grandparents provide regular childcare and expect support in old age.
Use Public Policy To Support Family Care
- Marina Lopes recommends government support to back family caregiving, citing Singapore housing grants and tax relief for families near grandparents.
- Subsidize familial care to make grandparent caregiving feasible and encourage co-location.
Brooklyn Grandmother’s Personal Tradeoffs
- Sharon from Brooklyn described daily grandparent caregiving that keeps her fit and enables her daughter to work as a principal.
- She emphasized care isn't about money but about legacy, mutual support, and children's need for stable after-school supervision.


