Adult grandchildren’s perspectives on the grandparent-grandchild relationship from childhood to adulthood

ABSTRACT

The relationship between grandparents and grandchildren is usually quite close and satisfying, rather than conflictual, and is considered positive and important by both generations. The present study explores the nature of the relationship between grandparents and grandchildren in the United Kingdom. The aim of the study is to investigate adult grandchildren’s perspectives on the grandparent-grandchild relationship and its transition from childhood to adulthood. Using a Grounded Theory approach 10 young adults, aged 20–24, were interviewed about the relationship with their grandparents. Results showed that adult grandchildren perceive the relationship to continue from childhood to adulthood and to transition in terms of support, contact, attitude, and emotion. Support in childhood was reported as being more practical such as caregiving or help with education, whereas in adulthood as being more emotional. Contact was shown to be reduced from more frequent and face to face in childhood to less frequent and more telephone or internet based in adulthood. As to attitude and emotion participants reported a change in how they felt towards their grandparents from childhood to adulthood, with feelings of excitement being replaced with appreciation and respect. Implications of these transitions within grandparent-grandchild relationships are discussed.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.