“I Cry For Those Kids; Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, an Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis of Loss and Grief Experienced”

Abstract

Grandparents have traditionally stepped in as care givers during a time of crises in the first generational family and have been referred to as ‘family watchdogs’ (Troll 1983 cited in Gladstone et Brown 2007). However, taking on the responsibility of grandchildren does not come without challenges and experiences of loss and grief (Backhouse et al 2012). This study explores the experiences of 10 grandparents raising grandchildren on a primary basis in the Munster region of Ireland. Grandparents take on the care of grandchildren because of the absence of adult children because of substance abuse, mental health issues, imprisonment, abandonment or death (Ruiz et al 2004). Therefore strong experiences of loss and grief can accompany the care giving responsibilities. Semi structured interviews using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis allowed the researcher to explore parenting grandparent’s experiences in performing this role. It was found that multiple forms of loss was experienced by these grandparents such as the loss of relationship with adult child, loss of choice and the loss of the traditional grandparental role. Additionally, significant health implications suggest the need to acknowledge and address the complex experiences of grandparents who are acting as the main caregivers to their grandchildren. Health implications found in this study included stress, exhaustion and fatigue. Strong recommendations are made in this study to support grandparents performing this role such as stronger support structures and specialised training for caring professionals. Parenting grandparents experience complex and unique needs therefore specialised training will allow compassionate and improved support to be provided by caring profession.