There are 5 different types of grandparents – which one are you?
Those of us who were lucky enough to have grandparents – and those who are lucky enough to be grandparents – know just how influential and important the relationship between grandparent and grandchildren is. Grandparents are however not all the same, and play many different roles in their grandchildren’s lives. In 1965, the University of Chicago's Bernice Neugarten, a leading gerontologists, conducted a comprehensive study of grandparents and identified five patterns of grandparenting. Which one do you relate to?
1. The “formal” grandparent
These are what most people think when you say grandparents. These grandparents take on traditional roles, believing there are appropriate guidelines for grandparents to follow. They provide background support, take grandchildren out on occasional outings, play a role in both children and grandchildren’s lives but are not overly involved.
2. The “fun seeker” grandparent
This grandparent is all about having fun with their grandchildren. They love to bring their inner child out to play and entertain their grandchildren. Their grandchildren know they will always have a good time with this type of Nan and Pop!
3. The “surrogate parent” grandparent
For one reason or the other, these grandparents have had to take over the caretaking role for their grandchildren. This means these grandparents are much more of a parental figure and the relationship between grandchild and grandparent is more akin to parent and child.
4. The “reservoir of family wisdom” grandparent
These grandparents are the head and authority of the family. They dispense advice and have particular ideas of what and how things need to be done.
5. The “distant” grandparent
This grandparent plays only a small role in the life of their grandchildren. They usually only meet during special occasions like holidays and birthdays.
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