This study examines transitions in grandchild care and the characteristics of grandparents making these transitions, using longitudinal data from a nationally representative sample of 13,626 grandparents in the 1998-2008 Health and Retirement Study. More than 60% of grandparents provided grandchild care over the 10-year period; more than 70% of…

Guided by an ecological perspective on family policy, this qualitative study used family life history interviews to document the legal and policy dilemmas faced by 26 grandparent caregivers residing in Montana. Most grandparents (n = 18) were caring for their grandchildren in informal or private care arrangements. Findings revealed four legal or…

Grandparents of children with disabilities have an expanded grandparental role that can include performance of child care, raising the grandchildren, and in some instances taking legal custody of the grandchildren. Grandparents in the extended family of a child with a disability have needs that must be identified in order to facilitate the…

Routine child care by grandparents was examined for 1,229 children who were participants in the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) Study of Early Child Care. Findings suggest that grandparent care, whether part- or extended full-time, is heterogeneous and may occur in response to different family circumstances.…

This study draws data from the Family Life Project to examine parenting behaviors observed for 105 mothers and grandmothers raising an infant in rural low-income multigenerational households. Multilevel models are used to examine the relationships between maternal age and psychological distress and parenting of the infant by both generations. The…

This brief publication offers advice to grandparents on their interactions with their grandchildren. Discussion first focuses on problematic aspects of the grandparenting role and then explores ways grandparents can improve the lives of children and ways grandchildren can improve the lives of grandparents. Readers are urged to use the suggestions…

Noting that grandparents in the parenting role are often overwhelmed by the problems of their children, grandchildren, and the social milieu in which they live, this manual presents a 14-session workshop series designed to empower grandparents who are raising their grandchildren alone. Designed to complement "To Grandmother's House We Go and…

This book explores grandparenting at a time when roles and challenges facing grandparents are changing. Chapter one addresses "Grandparents in a Changing World" and describes grandparenting styles. Chapter two focuses on the "Unfinished Business between Adult Children and their Parents" and how a grandchild complicates this…

Reviews grandparent/grandchild relationship relative to older adult, middle generation, and grandchild in light of recent demographic changes and increased life expectancy. The role of grandparents as a potential family resource is discussed and implications for family life programming are suggested. (Author)

Grandparents play a vital role in the lives of their grandchildren. A midwest sample of 100 matched pairs of grandfathers and grandmothers and 70 individual grandmothers provided information specific to each of their 770 middle generation children and 1,254 grandchildren. The results revealed no significant correlation between emotional closeness…

Explores how relations between grandparents and grandchildren are contingent upon a matrix of intergenerational relationships. Findings indicated multiple dimensions of grandparents' involvement with grandchildren to be associated with grandparents relationship with their own grandparents; grandparent's perception of closeness with grandchild; and…

Addresses the sharing of traditions, beliefs, and customs between grandparents and grandchildren. Results indicate that extent of shared activities, attitudes toward grandparents, and perceptions of cultural sharing are significantly related. Highlights the importance of cultural sharing to perceptions of grandchild-grandparent relationships.…

There is little information available on the roles played by grandparents in the lives of their grandchildren following the divorce or separation of the grandchildren's parents. This study compared the specific activities shared by grandparents and grandchildren in single-mother and single-father families of children in grades 1 through 4. Data on…

Demographic trends of marriage and childbearing early in adulthood and longer life spans have meant that many people become grandparents in middle age and are grandparents for 20 or 30 years. The relationship between grandparent and grandchild is mediated through the parent. This study examines the qualities that parents desire in grandparents and…

Discusses major changes in society and family life that disrupt the relationship between grandparents and grandchildren. These changes include separation by distance, divorce, death, or grandparents' choice. Maintains grandchildren can benefit from close contact with grandparents in terms of shared experiences. (BB)