We don't hear much about the role of grandparents anymore, but it's huge.
Where grandparents are on the scene there's a lot less stress, especially when both parents (if there are two) are working.

My mother did not work outside of our home but my mother's parent(s) lived with us until I was in high school (Well, my grandfather lived with us until I was 5 when he passed away.) I feel that my life was enriched by having a close relationship with my mother's parents.