Using cross-sectional data from the Netherlands Kinship Panel Study (N = 1,231), this study examines the relationship between grandchildren and their grandparents across early adulthood. Age is used as a proxy for change during the grandchild's life course and the influence of major life course characteristics is examined. Results indicate that…

Reviews the problems that grandparents often experience while raising their grandchildren. Discusses how full-time grandparents often rely on support groups for comfort and advice and examines the advantages and limitations of this approach. Makes recommendations for improving how support groups function so they can achieve their purposes.…

This qualitative research examined the perceptions, beliefs, attitudes, and experiences of grandchildren caregivers who ranged in age from 7 to 29 years. Thirty-four caregiving grandchildren participated in face to-face semistructured interviews lasting approximately 35 to 90 minutes. Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Analysis…

For many grandchildren their grandparents are "special" people, and the time they spend together often generates memorable experiences and conversations that are educational. Yet society underestimates the impact that grandparents have as mentors and role models for children. Through spontaneous, shared activities grandparents support the science…

The purpose of this study is to explore the variation in emotional closeness in the adult grandchild and grandparent relationship in relation to the occurrence of potentially stressful life events in childhood. A sample of university students (N = 119) completed a questionnaire measuring elements of intergenerational solidarity. Comparisons were…

Grandmothers primarily responsible for caring for their grandchildren possess strengths and confront challenges. To gain insight into intergenerational parenting, 17 African American grandmothers were interviewed. Based on a qualitative content analysis, seven strategies emerged: maintaining effective communication, taking a strong role in the…

Guided by the conceptual frameworks of social support appraisal mechanisms and cultural variant perspectives, the reported experiences of 23 Black grandmothers parenting grandchildren who receive cash assistance under the current welfare program, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), were used to integrate macro- and micro-level…

A recent report from the U.S. Census Bureau revealed that more than five million, or 7%, of U.S. children are being raised in grandparent-headed households. In many of these homes there is no biological parent in residence, and the grandparents have taken over the role of parenting. This family structure has gained enough residence to warrant 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.…

Using role theory to guide a qualitative analysis of 26 grandparents raising grandchildren, the role transition from grandparent to grandparent caregiver was explored. Participants were predominantly female, low income, married, with an average age of 53. On average, participants were raising 1.7 grandchildren for 4 years and at the time of…

A defining characteristic of grandparents raising grandchildren is parenting a second generation of children. To learn how grandmothers compare parenting their grandchildren to parenting their children, 40 custodial grandmothers were interviewed. Results of a qualitative analysis indicated that grandmothers perceived themselves as wiser, more…

Noting that the number of grandparent-led families is increasing in the United States and that raising one's grandchildren can and should be a positive experience, this book is designed as a handbook for both grandparents and the professionals who advise them. Chapter 1, "Parenting Again," provides a checklist for the parenting…

Tremendous social changes have left many grandparents unsure about what type of grandparent role is useful today. This book challenges grandparents to examine traditional grandparent beliefs to see if modifications might enhance their understanding and enjoyment of the role. The book's introductory chapter discusses societal changes influencing…

While the area of trauma and recovery in adults has received significant scholarly attention, there is a paucity of literature, both conceptual and empirical, addressing the impact of extreme traumatic events on the coping capacity of school-age children. Even less studied is the role of various individual, social, and cultural factors in…

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…