Active and Latent Functions of Grandparenting During the Divorce Process

Abstract

Longitudinal data reported here follow the role of grandmothers during the divorce processes of their children. Most women provided major assistance to children and grandchildren. During the 40 months the families were followed, younger grandmothers were more active. Some decline in assistance occurred, with paternal grandmothers showing the greatest decline. An analysis of their expectations for the role indicated that women became ambivalent and dissatisfied if they were forced to perform parenting functions over time.