Nonni, nipoti e genitori nel XXI secolo

[Autom. eng. transl.] The chapter addresses the issue of grandparents’ illness and death as critical junctures in contemporary family life, analyzing their emotional and relational impact on children and families. Through an interdisciplinary approach that integrates psychological, pedagogical and sociological perspectives, the text highlights how these experiences represent profound transitions, capable of generating crises but also of offering opportunities for emotional and relational growth. The first part of the chapter examines the chronic illness of grandparents as an “invisible attack” on the family fabric, exploring adaptation strategies, changes in roles and the importance of intergenerational solidarity. It highlights how the active participation of grandchildren, appropriately guided by adults, can foster the development of care and responsibility skills. The second part focuses on the processing of grief in children, illustrating the different phases of the process in relation to age and attachment styles, and delves into the risks associated with complicated grief. The chapter highlights the crucial role of honest communication, the use of narratives and visual tools (such as children's literature), and the promotion of spaces for dialogue and emotional expression. Operational guidelines are then proposed to help families accompany children in dealing with illness and loss: clear and age-appropriate communication, enhancement of rituals, maintenance of daily stability, involvement in care processes, and – when necessary – recourse to professional support. In its conclusions, the chapter reflects on how the COVID-19 pandemic has made the themes of illness and death unavoidable, accentuating the ambiguity of loss and the need to build shared family narratives. The text invites us to overcome social taboos, recognizing the centrality of these transitions not only as painful experiences but also as fundamental opportunities for growth, intergenerational solidarity, and the transmission of values within the family.