Contemporary Grandparenting

This is the first book to take a sociological approach to grandparenting across diverse country contexts and combines new theorising with up-to-date empirical findings to document the changing nature of grandparenting across global contexts.

Grandparenting in the 21st century is at the heart of profound family and societal changes. It is of increasing social and economic significance yet many dimensions of grandparenting are still poorly understood. Contemporary Grandparenting is the first book to take a sociological approach to grandparenting across diverse country contexts and combines new theorising with up-to-date empirical findings to document the changing nature of grandparenting across global contexts. In this highly original book, leading contributors analyse how grandparenting differs according to the nature of the welfare state and the cultural context, how family breakdown influences grandparenting, and explore men's changing roles as grandfathers. Grandparents today face conflicting norms and expectations about their roles, but act with agency to forge new identities within the context of societal and cultural constraints. Contemporary Grandparenting illuminates key issues relevant to students and researchers from sociology and social policy, including in the fields of family, childhood, ageing and gender studies.

"Accessible and appealing, Contemporary Grandparenting begins in a way that immediately involves the reader in a personal way. The material included is highly engaging, written with many examples to support the theory and research. I have seen nothing that comes close to this important contribution. The research and real-life 'stories' make the work particularly valuable for a wide range of audiences. As an author, Arthur Kornhaber speaks to our hearts as well as our minds as he brings his intellectual points to life." --Carol Tice, Lifespan Resources, Inc., Ann Arbor, Michigan "I enthusiastically recommend this eminently readable book for anyone of any generation. Contemporary Grandparenting is especially appropriate for the cynics who, like some poets, in moments of despair, describe old age as 'no place for old people.' . . . Arthur Kornhaber conveys best, if not beautifully, grandparents' most wonderful side. . . . This book is a treasury of information that has been mined from the long tunnels the author has explored."

An indispensible resource for all grandparents or soon-to-be grandparents, filled iwth invaluable information that you can refer to again and again.

Grandparenting is one of the greatest joys in life. Most “grandboomers” are young, active, and anxious to be involved in the lives of their grandchildren. However, grandparenting in the twenty-first century is often complicated by long distances, family breakups, and remarriage. Based on solid evidence from the experts combined with inspirational – and sometimes funny – real-life stories from grandparents, parents, and grandchildren, Intentional Grandparenting provides readers with ten child-centred principles to guide their decision-making as modern grandparents. At the heart this approach is the notion of intentional grandparenting, a process for planning ahead and taking deliberate action to be the kind of grandparent you want to be. The authors identify the challenges and offer practical, parent-friendly advice to help boomers become happy and effective grandparents. Written in an accessible and engaging style, Intentional Grandparenting is at once entertaining and informative.

Grandparenting is a sacred, challenging, and sometimes bewildering calling. As educators, writers, and grandmothers with twelve grandchildren between them, Marilyn McEntyre and Shirley Showalter team up to share practices, tips, and ideas for grandparenting with intention and grace.

Grandparenting: Contemporary Perspectives is one of the first books of its kind to offer a dedicated account of the social and psychological research on this important life stage. Reflecting the contemporary positive approach to ageing, it covers many of the issues that impact the grandparent experience today, such as care-giving and changing family structures, to reveal the health and wellbeing benefits of the grandparent role. It examines biological, psychological, social/ familial, gender, cultural and economic dimensions to map out the current landscape in this emerging field. Moore and Rosenthal draw on quantitative and qualitative, experimental, survey, observation and case study research, including unique data on grandfathers. They examine how people respond to the challenges and possibilities of grandparenting, and how this influences intergenerational relationships and adapting to growing older. The book provides a comprehensive, up-to-date evidence base for students in health, sociology and psychology and those interested in gerontology and the lifespan.

Grandparents today are healthier, more active, and more youthful and young at heart than their predecessors. Dr. Georgia Witkin, senior editor of Grandparents.com, draws on her experience as a psychiatry professor, therapist, and grandparent to help readers be the best grandparent they can be. They'll learn: How to connect with their grandchild-online and off How to contribute to their grandchild's emotional development and boost their IQ The secret hidden stresses of being a grandparent- and how to deal with them The three things they should never say to their son- or daughter-in-laws And more!