Book contents
- First-Time Parenting Journeys
- First-Time Parenting Journeys
- Copyright page
- Dedication
- Contents
- Acknowledgements
- 1 Introduction
- 2 Undertaking a Qualitative Longitudinal Research Study with Intending Parents
- 3 Motherhood Moralities
- 4 Birthing Experiences
- 5 Emotion Work in the Transition to Motherhood
- 6 Development of a Parental Identity
- 7 Views about Having More Children
- 8 Changes in the Couple Relationship over Time
- 9 Grandparents Navigating Shifts in Relationships and Identity
- 10 Reflecting on the Study Findings and Experience
- References
- Index
9 - Grandparents Navigating Shifts in Relationships and Identity
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 02 March 2023
- First-Time Parenting Journeys
- First-Time Parenting Journeys
- Copyright page
- Dedication
- Contents
- Acknowledgements
- 1 Introduction
- 2 Undertaking a Qualitative Longitudinal Research Study with Intending Parents
- 3 Motherhood Moralities
- 4 Birthing Experiences
- 5 Emotion Work in the Transition to Motherhood
- 6 Development of a Parental Identity
- 7 Views about Having More Children
- 8 Changes in the Couple Relationship over Time
- 9 Grandparents Navigating Shifts in Relationships and Identity
- 10 Reflecting on the Study Findings and Experience
- References
- Index
Summary
In Chapter 9, we turn to consider the interviews we conducted with some of the parents of the couples. Some of these parents were already grandparents many times over, and some were looking forward to becoming grandparents for the first time. In focusing on these interviews, we explore three different aspects. The first relates to whether or not the arrival of a grandchild might change the relationship with an adult child. The second explores the role that grandparents or intending grandparents expected to play in the lives of their adult children and grandchildren. And third, we look at whether or not the arrival of a grandchild changed how the participants viewed themselves. What we see is a marked difference between new parenthood and new grandparenthood. The former is marked by normative assumptions and social restrictions, while the latter appears to accord greater agency in terms of making decisions about what it means to be a grandparent.
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- Information
- First-Time Parenting JourneysExpectations and Realities, pp. 162 - 180Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2023