Girls therefore tend to participate more in inter-generational relationships with their mothers, aunts and grandmothers. Even in the Western world, where sexual stereotypes have significantly diminished in the latter part of this century, women still tend to place more of an emphasis on bonds with family members. Women generally do more than men to maintain the bonds of relationships between the generations by means of letters, telephone conversations, and visits. It is usually a women who takes charge of documenting and commemorating the family history, its dates and events. In fact, the closest such bond appears to be between a granddaughter and her maternal grandmother.
Grandsons also tend to feel closest with their maternal grandmother.
The close relationship between the maternal grandmother and her grandchildren is parallel to the greater closeness that has traditionally existed between a woman and her parents, when compared with that of a man and his parents. The presence of grandparents in the caregiving environment is extremely important, both for the grandchildren and their parents. When not separated by geographical distance, grandparents can play an active role in the lives of their grandchildren and be of great assistance to their grown children. Grandparents can assist financially by purchasing toys and necessities which the parents may not be able to afford. They also can provide loving care when parents are away, saving the cost of a baby-sitter and giving parents peace of mind.