Lesley Stahl Discusses Her New Book On Grandparenting

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - 60 Minutes Correspondent Lesley Stahl discussed her new book, Becoming Grandma: The Joys and Sciences of the New Grandparenting, and the important role that grandparents play in modern families.

Stahl, during an interview with Chris Stigall on Talk Radio 1210 WPHT, said the more grandparents are a part of the lives of their grandchildren, the better off both are in the long run.

"What I recommend in the book is that if grandparents leave near their grandchildren and they have the time, they need to get more involved because taking care of grandchildren is good for our health, and we're good for the grandchildren. Really, physiologically, when I say it's the science of grand parenting, it's actually been documented."

She talked about the special bonds to grandchildren, backed up by scientific research.

"Grandchildren keep us young and improve our mental health...I crave them. I literally crave them. In my scientific exploration, I find that grandmothers actually secrete a hormone that binds us to the babies and when we say we crave them, we actually do. We're a little addicted to them."

Stahl also pointed out that grandparents have become essential to the economics of new families.

"Today, young parents both have to work to make as much money as my generation made with one earner. They're really stretched thin. Good child care, that you trust, is hideously expensive. It can cost as much as college. So, our children, the young parents, need us."