中華心理衛生協會

Purpose: Previous studies regarding grandparenting issues are commonly limited to skip-generation parenting and focus on its negative effects. However, it has now become quite common for grandparents to provide care for their grandchildren with the parents. These grandparents are autonomous. They know how to take care of the grandchild and enjoy the experience. This study identifies the positive experiences of these grandparents. Method: We interviewed 9 grandmothers and 3 grandfathers who had positive experiences as grandparents and who were currently taking care of their 1 to 6-year-old grandchildren. They were recruited from a baby sitters network, preschools and parent-child centers. Among the 12 participants were 3 pairs of grandparents who took care of their grandchildren together. Results: Positive grandparenting experiences entail 4 components: relationship connection, a sense of contribution, self-efficacy, and autonomy. A good intergenerational relationship is the motive for positive grandparenting. The health and energy of the grandparents is also a factor, as are task characteristics, such as being simple and undemanding. Advanced factors include personal, familial, community, and social dimensions. Conclusions: Grandparents can be a good resource for child care. Taking care of grandchildren can be good for seniors. This study suggests that the government supports grandparents in taking care of their grandchildren, which will promote the well-being of all three generations.