Raising Grandchildren is challenging

Introduction

Raising grandchildren is challenging. Parenting refers to a number of complex and inter-related ideas and practices. Bradley and Corwyn (1999) have constructed a framework in which parenting is conceptualized as a set of five functions performed by parents (Bradley & Corwyn, 8-15). Grandfathers provide their grandchildren with:

1. Basic physical and psychological sustenance

2. Adequate cognitive and social stimulation

3. Emotional support

4. Appropriate structure

5. Surveillance (keeping track of the child and his or her environment in order to protect the child)

Quality of parenting can be assessed by taking into account the extent to which each of these tasks is fulfilled.

There are various and simultaneous contexts that must be included in any serious consideration of parenthood. A grandfather is nested in an immediate family, a neighborhood, a cultural norm, racial and ethnic currents, immigrant status, social and economic factors, a political climate, and a historical period. An even more finely grained rendering of the topic of parenting might concern itself with distinctions between mothering and fathering. Additionally, there are many potentially interesting questions such as the impact of single-parenting, dual-career parenting, gay and lesbian parenting, and so forth. Thus, there are numerous factors that come into play when one contemplates the meaning of parenthood. Clearly, parenting is a multilayered dynamic system of values, behaviors, and roles.

Cultural Variations

Parenting beliefs and practices are shaped by culture. One culture might promote independence and autonomy, while another might encourage less exploration and greater social courtesy. When discussing the impact of cultural variations in parenting practices, it is difficult to determine where stereotypes leave off and real distinctions among groups exist. Often, a distinct group subsumes many different subgroups that espouse different traditions. For example, the group considered to be Latino is quite varied. It includes Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, and Central and South American, as well ...