Grandparents as Parents: Research Findings and Policy Recommendations

This article presents an overview of research on grandparenthood in the latter decades of the twentieth century. Theories contributing to understanding of the grandparenting role are discussed, and significant factors affecting the grandparenting experience—including sex, age, retirement status, race, and ethnicity—are reviewed. The special case of grandparents raising grandchildren is explored through a review of demographics, outcomes for children in grandparent foster care, and the impact of raising grandchildren on grandparents. Interventions supporting custodial grandparents and the grandchildren in their care are examined. Drawing on the findings and implications of this overview, recommendations for policy, clinical practice, professional education, and future research are offered.