Grandmothers’ Experience of Caregiving to Grandchildren Staying at Their Children’s Place: Analyzing Urban Indian Families

Priya Gupta, Amrita School of Business
Angan Sengupta, Assistant Professor, Institute of Health Management Research, Bangalore

In India an increasing number of young parents from nuclear families after moving to different cities seek help of their parents to take care of their children. This study analyzes the lived experience of Indian grandmothers, trying to understand their perspectives on their grandparenting responsibilities while temporarily relocated to the city of their children’s residence within India, especially for taking care of 0-5 years old grandchildren. A purposive sample of 60 such grandmothers were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. The content analysis of qualitative data yielded five key themes; (1) concern about physical and mental health issues due to grandchild care, (2) perceived relevance of grandmothers in strengthening family bonds, (3) role in taking care of food, nutrition, health and hygiene of the grandchildren, (4) grandmothers help children, especially daughters, retain job and avoid financial difficulties by providing care to grandchildren, (5) lastly, grandmothers expect additional physical support and recognition for their contributions. Grandmothers are happy in contributing to grandchild care. But relocation to a different city is more stressful than taking care of grandchildren at own place. Adhering to their expectations through cordial family relations and additional support can improve the grandparenting experience, and ensure active and healthy ageing.

Keywords: Older Adults and Intergenerational Relations, Population Ageing

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