Abstract: Grandparenting refers to the upbringing and education provided by grandparents to their grandchildren. With the development of economy and society, “grandparenting” has become an important supplementary form of “parenting”. Grandparenting has a “double-edged sword” effect on the physical and mental health of grandparents and grandchildren. Biological evolution theory, social exchange theory and family system theory provide theoretical support for understanding the impact of grandparenting on grandchildren. In addition, role strain theory and role enhancement theory can deepen the understanding of the impact of grandparenting on grandparents. With the aim of achieving a deeper comprehensive research and promoting the localization of grandparenting research, it is necessary for the future study to clarify the definition and types of grandparenting and to control the boundary factors.

Key words: grandparenting, physical health, mental development, double-edged sword effect