Describe the two dimensions of grandparenting noted in your textbook. What other roles do grandparents play in their grandchildren's lives?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The two dimensions of grandparenting include the social and the personal dimensions. Social dimensions of grandparenting include such tasks as passing family history on to grandchildren, as well as religious, social, and vocational values. Personal dimensions of grandparenting includes the personal satisfaction and individual needs that are fulfilled by being a grandparent.

How grandparents and grandchildren interact varies among ethnic groups. Intergenerational relationships are especially important and have historically been a source of strength in African American families and Latino American families. African American grandparents play an important role in many aspects of their grandchildren's lives, such as religious education. Latino American grandparents are more likely to participate in childrearing because of a cultural core value of family. Native American grandparents appear to have some interactive styles that differ from those of other groups. These grandparents provide grandchildren with a way to connect with their cultural heritage, and they are likely to provide a great deal of care for their grandchildren. Asian American grandparents, particularly if they are immigrants, serve as a primary source of traditional culture for their grandchildren.

In some cases, grandparents may serve as custodial parents or primary caregivers for their children.