Op-Ed: When Childcare Falls upon Aging Shoulders

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A hidden challenge unfolds daily within the walls of many homes in rural and sub-urban Cambodia. Grandparents, especially grandmothers, are becoming the primary caregivers for this nation’s young population, shouldering a burden that is both immense and overlooked.

As the younger generation heads off to work, often in demanding jobs like those in garment factories, the role of caregiver shifts to the grandparents left behind. This shift is not a mere convenience but a necessity, born out of the lack of available and affordable childcare services in these areas.

While these grandparents take on the responsibility out of love and a sense of duty, the demands placed upon them are far from easy. The physical strain of chasing after young children, the emotional burden of constant worry, and the absence of any real support system create a perfect storm of stress for these elderly caregivers.

The lack of accessible and affordable childcare in Cambodia’s rural and suburban areas places an overwhelming burden on elderly grandparents, particularly grandmothers, who are compelled to serve as primary caregivers, leading to significant physical, emotional, and social consequences for the elderly and underscoring the urgent need for improved childcare solutions.

Spillover Effect on the Elderly

Without accessible childcare options, the burden of caring for children often falls disproportionately on elderly grandparents, namely grandmothers, when the parents have to leave for work.  

In the case of a 71-year-old grandma Sok Kim, she has to look after eight grandchildren from 1 to 6 years old while her four children go to work at garment factories. Grandma Kim told the World Bank that,

“[E]very afternoon I see my grandchildren playing on the road or at the neighbors’ houses, and I shout at them to come inside. Then I close the gate, as I’m afraid they will be run over by cattle.” She continued, “It’s hard work, and I can’t really take good care of them.” 

This increased caregiving responsibility can take a toll on the elderly population’s physical and emotional well-being, as they navigate the demands of childcare alongside their own aging-related concerns. 

A 62-year-old grandma Chhai Leng, for instance, living in Kampong Speu province, always gets up at 4:00 am to make sure breakfast is ready for her five grandchildren when their mothers, Chhai’s daughters, go to work at garment factories. Granma Leng spends between 14 and 15 hours a day taking care of her five grandchildren, which leaves her little time to do other things.

Granma Leng shared her concerns that:

“I don’t want to take this burden. It is a very hard job.” She continued, “But, if I don’t help my children, who else is going to help them? I really want to have some time to relax.”

These heart-felt stories from grandmas reveal that relying on elderly grandparents as primary caregivers may also hinder their ability to engage in social activities, pursue personal interests, or seek necessary medical care.

Final Thoughts

This issue isn’t just about the struggles of individual families—it’s a societal challenge that impacts the well-being of entire communities. The lack of adequate childcare services in rural and suburban Cambodia forces elderly grandparents into a role that, while rooted in love and duty, comes at a significant cost.

The physical and emotional toll on these elderly caregivers is immense, and it reverberates throughout their lives, often leaving them isolated, overworked, and unable to enjoy the later years of their lives.

The stories of Grandma Sok Kim and Grandma Chhai Leng are just a few examples of the countless elderly caregivers in Cambodia facing an overwhelming burden. Their sacrifices are a testament to their resilience, but they also underscore the pressing need for better childcare options that don’t rely on the elderly to fill the gap.

As we consider the future, it is crucial to address the spillover effects of inadequate childcare on our aging population, ensuring that grandmothers like Sok Kim and Chhai Leng can enjoy their golden years without being weighed down by the responsibilities that rightfully belong to the younger generation.