The grandparenting role

This paper offers a short review of recent literature on grandparenting. Particularly, it looks at the importance of the family for the quality of life of older members, the importance of grandparenting roles, what affects grandparent-grandchild relationships, how children's attitudes and perceptions of older persons might impact on grandparenting, and some ideas concerning intervention programs. It is the author's contention that how the grandparenting role is played can have a significant impact on the lifestyle of older persons. Depending upon the saliency of the role and personal characteristics of the grandparent and the grandchild, the quality of life of older persons can be enhanced or diminished.Mary S. Link, Ed.D. is Associate Professor and Coordinator of the Child Studies Laboratory, Department of Home Economics and Consumer Sciences, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio. Dr. Link earned her Ed.D. from Ball State University and her current research interest include child care issues and parenting.