Grandparent Access Benefits Children
This
is part of the grandparent access facts article created by Judy Atkinsons
for her university course. (see Access Facts
for more information)
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Grandparent roles are as diverse as the circumstances of
their extended families (Matthews & Sprey, 1984).
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Grandparents often become a family’s first reserves
in times of crisis. Grandparents act as fun playmates for children, role
models, and family historians, mentors, and help establish self-esteem and
security for children (Blau, 1984; Kornhaber & Woodward,
1981).
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In 1987, Crawford concluded that the stronger the tie with
grandparents, the less likely children were to develop significant psychopathology
in later life. A strong argument for close relationships between grandchildren
and grandparents was supported by researchers who found that adults who
have had strong relationships with grandparents tend to be much more positive
to the value and importance of older citizens (Downs &
Walz, 1981).
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As well, Kivnick (1982) demonstrated that children who are
close to their grandparents tend to become more effective grandparents with
their own grandchildren, two generations later.
- Recent research suggests that grandparents play a significant role in the lives of children, and in fact, ignoring the existence of a grandparent who has formed strong bonds with a child may not represent the best interests of that child (Wilks & Melville, 1990; Kivnick, 1982; Wilson and DeShane, 1982; Downs & Walz, 1981). This study also indicates that the grandparent’s role is an integral part of their self-identity. When the role of grandparent is removed, the physical and emotional effects are severe, resulting in necessary medical and psychological intervention. It is suggested the expanding variety of family forms present in contemporary society constitute a potential threat to grandparent’s involvement in their grandchildren’s lives.
See Access Facts for more information.
CANGRANDS National Kinship Support
R.R. 1, McArthurs Mills, Ontario K0L 2M0
Tel: 613-474-0035
E-mail: grandma@cangrands.com
courriel: demandez@cangrands.com