Grandparents’ Family Functions in Grandchildrearing in Japan, and Its Effect Factors

Abstract

Midwives have the role of helping grandparents enhance their family functions as they welcome new family members. However, their specific functions and effect factors remain unclear. Therefore, we conducted a survey with the aim of clarifying the family function of grandparents in raising grandchildren. We conducted an online survey of 2,000 Japanese grandparents and analyzed the data using factor analysis and multiple regression.Four functions of the grandparents were revealed: daily care and healthcare, emotional support for parents, grandchildren's character development, and own well-being. Raising grandchildren exerts a great influence on family dynamics. Grandparents who did not feel burdened reported that grandchildrearing was one of their lives' passions and helped them maintain their strength and youth. To enhance their family functions grandparents, it is necessary to assess the four functions of grandparents, support them in maintaining an appropriate distance from their grandchildren and parents, and set up a forum for discussion between grandparents and parents.