The Role of Grandparents in Divorced and Separated Families

Abstract

Despite the rapid and extensive changes in patterns of partnership formation and dissolution, there has been a dearth of information on the effect of divorce and separation on nuclear and extended families in Ireland. The study at hand is the first study conducted in Ireland with the view to understanding inter-generational relationships - the nature of contact and support between grandparents, grandchildren and the divorced or separated parents - in the aftermath of relationship breakdown in the `middle? generation. The specific objectives of the study were as follows: ? To provide an overview of the Irish and international literature on grandparents of divorced families. ? To explore the experiences of grandparents following their children?s divorce/separation, with a specific focus on how the relationship with their children and grandchildren has changed. ? To characterise the relationships of grandparents and their grandchildren following divorce/separation. ? To explore whether, in the Irish context, the relationships of paternal grandparents and maternal grandparents with their grandchildren differ following divorce/separation ? To scope the range of inputs (social, personal, economic, practical and other) that grandparents make into the management of their children?s and grandchildren?s lives following relationship breakdown. ? To identify the challenges and rewards (and possible support needs) for grandparents who become more heavily involved in their children?s and grandchildren?s lives following divorce/separation. ? To explore the sentiments of grandparents who have less contact with their grandchildren than they would like to following divorce/separation. ? To characterise policies that could assist both grandparents who are heavily involved in supporting post-divorce families and grandchildren in particular, and those who are seeking more extensive contact with their grandchildren.