The “Twilight Childcare” Experiences of Grandmothers

Abstract

This qualitative study explores the parenting experiences of grandmothers who raise their grandchildren on behalf of their daughters or daughters-in-law. The aim of this study is to provide basic data for the development of nursing interventions to promote the health of elderly women. To that end, by way of in-depth interviews with study subjects, this study investigates and offers insight into the meaning and essence of the parenting experiences of grandmothers looking after their grandchildren. The research participants were five grandmothers raising preschool grandchildren. Once collected through the interviews, the data were classified into seven theme clusters and four categories using Colaizzi's method of data analysis. Such categories are: "Catalytic role of parents in the upbringing of children", "Feelings of exhaustion in grandmother childcare ("twilight childcare")," "Feelings of ambivalence," and "Demand for sufficient government funding." Based on the results of the study, in-depth discussions were centered on understanding the nature of the parenting experiences of grandmothers as primary surrogate caregivers for their grandchildren. Then, practical strategies are suggested from a nursing standpoint with regard to the mental and physical challenges faced when raising children.