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How early-life grandparenting experience shapes later non-cognitive abilities: Evidence from rural China

Author

Listed:
  • Luo, Yueli
  • Shen, Yongtao
  • Li, Yang
  • Zhou, Zhimu

Abstract

Grandparents have increasingly assumed childcare responsibilities. We attempt to investigate the causal relationship between early-life grandparenting experience and children’s later non-cognitive abilities. Using longitudinal data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) for 2010 and 2018, this study employs an instrumental variable methodology and identifies children’s non-cognitive abilities by the Big Five Personality. The main findings are as follows: Firstly, early-life grandparenting experience significantly impairs children’s later non-cognitive abilities development. Secondly, the research highlights the mechanism role of family environments, school involvement as well as children’s self-discrepancy. Finally, heterogeneity analysis reveals that the adverse effects on non-cognitive abilities are more pronounced among pre-high school children. These findings offer valuable insights for fertility and caregiving policies, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to support the development of children from vulnerable backgrounds.

Suggested Citation

  • Luo, Yueli & Shen, Yongtao & Li, Yang & Zhou, Zhimu, 2026. "How early-life grandparenting experience shapes later non-cognitive abilities: Evidence from rural China," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 90(C), pages 1115-1126.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecanpo:v:90:y:2026:i:c:p:1115-1126
    DOI: 10.1016/j.eap.2026.02.011
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    JEL classification:

    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration
    • R23 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Household Analysis - - - Regional Migration; Regional Labor Markets; Population

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