ABSTRACT
Kornhaber (1996), describing engaged grandparents, emphasises their function as ‘givers’ rather than ‘takers’, teachers and story-tellers rather than learners or listeners, influencers rather than reactors, and mentors rather than the mentored. Neugarten and Weinstein (1964), in their classic studies of ageing, also emphasise the altruistic contributions of grandparents to family life. This emphasis is appropriate in describing grandparents’ important role functions but it omits the other side of the coin, that roles such as these may bring rewards that reinforce their continuation. Early writers acknowledged that grandparenting can be a rewarding and satisfying role, but did not focus on active grandparenting as a potential contributor to personal growth, self-esteem, physical and psychological well-being or cognitive health.
