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…

This study examined young adult grandchildren's self-reports about the influence of grandparent sex on perceived grandparent painful self-disclosure (PSD) as well as their reactions to grandparent dyad PSD. Perceived grandmother and grandfather motivations for "overall" communication were assessed as mediators of young adult grandchildren's…

Despite the fact that caregiving-related issues are well researched in the field of family gerontology, the developmental experiences of grandchildren caregivers and the meanings of their caregiving experiences have not been explored. Influenced by the life-span perspective and a constructionism lens, interviews were conducted with 17…

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…

Conducted two qualitative studies of African-American grandparents and great-grandparents rearing their grandchildren as consequence of parental drug addiction. Data from 60 grandmothers, grandfathers, and great-grandmothers revealed that only 3 percent received consistent, reliable familial support as surrogate parents. Although respondents found…

This document presents the transcripts from the congressional hearing which addressed four basic issues: (1) visitation rights of grandparents following divorce and custody settlements; (2) the enactment of a federal law to guarantee these rights in the eight states which have no laws; (3) the necessity of a federal law to bring uniformity to the…

Grandparenting and grandparents themselves come in many guises--young and full of vigor, old and ailing, filled with joy or burdened with concerns. For the first time in history a large number of grandparents are living long enough to get to know their grandchildren. Grandparents today are diverse in culture, financial status, health, emotional…

This article examines diversity among 542 African-American grandmothers from the Woodlawn Longitudinal Study. Women were categorized on the basis of their household composition, degree of care provided to grandchildren, and status of primary caregiver to grandchildren during lifetime. Overall, 67.7% of the sample engaged in parenting and exchange…

Contrasts the experiences of 398 White and 319 Black grandmothers raising their grandchildren. Similarities include age, education, familial relationship to the grandchild, age of grandchild, and impacts on the grandmother's work life. Differences include marital status, work status, and income. White grandmothers experienced more burden from…

Following parental separation, children's closeness to grandparents has been reported to be linked to their family situation and differences in adjustment. This relationship has not been investigated longitudinally. This study investigated children's relationships with grandparents over time in different family settings, and associations with…

In the past 10 years the United States has seen a dramatic increase in the number of children who live without their parents in a household headed by a relative. More than 2.5 million grandparents now raise grandchildren without a biological parent present in the home. Grandparents who assume responsibility for their grandchildren are unsung…

Discusses the responsibilities administrators and educators have to grandparents in charge of their grandchildren. Presents three cases and examines the problems in each situation. Suggests that being a grandparent today can be frightening because, depending on their age and attitude, grandparents have not adjusted to all the changes in…

Surveyed 208 adult grandchildren concerning relationship with their closest grandparent. Used levels of contact and perceptions of closeness to evaluate strength of bonds. Interaction levels were high for most respondents and relationships appeared meaningful. Comparison of ranked means suggests several factors related to strength of…