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The impact of family co-residence and childcare on children’s cognitive skills

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  • Lanfang Deng
  • Haizheng Li
  • Zhiqiang Liu

Abstract

We investigate the impact of family co-residence structure and allocation of major childcare responsibility across generations on child cognitive development. Using data from China, we find that children living in multigenerational families with grandparents as the main caregiver generally perform better in cognitive tests, while children who live only with their parents and children who live only with their grandparents (the so-called left-behind children) do not show a significant difference in their cognitive performance. Moreover, we find that the effect of family environment differs between boys and girls. We also find suggestive evidence that family environment affects child cognitive development through several behavioural factors indicative of intrafamily interactions.

Suggested Citation

  • Lanfang Deng & Haizheng Li & Zhiqiang Liu, 2023. "The impact of family co-residence and childcare on children’s cognitive skills," Applied Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 55(26), pages 3008-3025, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:applec:v:55:y:2023:i:26:p:3008-3025
    DOI: 10.1080/00036846.2022.2108748
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    2. Wang, Sophie Xuefei & Bansak, Cynthia, 2022. "Are Grandparents a Good Substitute for Parents as the Primary Caregiver? The Impact of Grandparents on Children's Academic Performance," GLO Discussion Paper Series 1100, Global Labor Organization (GLO).

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    JEL classification:

    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • I2 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education

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