The experiences of grandparents raising grandchildren in Indonesia

Abstract

Purpose The raising of grandchildren by grandparents is a global phenomenon, and it is common in Indonesia. This is because parents are often unable or unwilling to raise their own children. However, the debate around “grandparenting” is still limited in Indonesia. The purpose of this paper is to gain a better understanding of the experience and views of grandparents on “grandparenting.” Design/methodology/approach The methodology employed was qualitative and informed by phenomenology. The authors conducted in-depth interviews with 13 grandparents who were raising their grandchildren who were under five years old. The data were analyzed using thematic content analysis. Findings 5 main themes and 13 subthemes emerged from the analysis of the data. The themes were responses, strategies for overcoming negative responses, the grandparents’ role, the reason for raising grandchildren, and the cultural aspect of “grandparenting” in Java. All of the grandparents enjoyed their roles as grandparents. They felt that they helped fulfill their grandchildren’s physical and educational needs. Social implications The experience of raising a grandchild can be both positive and negative, depending on the cultural aspects in the Java and the family as a whole system. Grandparents require healthcare and informal support to maintain their well-being. Originality/value This paper provides new insights into “grandparenting” closely related to social and cultural aspect within the community. Grandparents enjoy being a part of the Javanese tradition. The supportive role of grandparents in Indonesia is important. However, older adults need to balance the role of “grandparenting” and rest time so that they remain healthy and happy.

The Experiences of Grandparenting in Indonesia

“…Based on the result of the research, it found that basically the education and childcare by grandmothers are types of education and childcare that are risky for children. Since they lost the figure of father and mother [3]. The children who are educated and raised by their grandmothers spoiled will be spoiled children in their life, have no power to face their life, easily broken and discouraged, easy to complain, mentally week, and not mentally strong [4].…”

“…According to the results of the study, it was found that primary education and nurture for children by grandmothers was risky for children. It said to be unsafe because they lost the origin of figure attachment, i.e., father and mother [3]. On the other hand, a grandmother who does not upgrade her parenting science will misstep in raising and educating children.…”

Grandparenting Membentuk Karakter Anak Usia Dini di Masa Pandemi Covid-19

“…Keikutsertaan nenek dalam mengasuh cucu merupakan salah satu bentuk dukungan pada keluarga yang orang tuanya bekerja. Grandparenting merupakan suatu hal yang biasa terjadi di Indonesia seperti sudah menjai kebudayaan dari nenek moyang yang turun menurun (Fauziningtyas et al, 2019).…”

Society Perception of Pasung Behavior in People with Mental Disorders

“…Method that was used was qualitative method by investigating particular social problem. The approach of study used symbolic interaction base with qualitative approach method that was not only as a method to be a method of study, but also as a theoretical perspective conceptually 11 . The place of study was conducted in Kulon Progo, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta.…”