Subjetive satisfaction of grandparents babysitting

Abstract

The current family circle, forced to get adapted continually to the surrounding social structure, faces numerous social and family situations. This situation makes families broaden their networks of support and include hence grandparents as caregivers and even supplementary educators for their grandchildren. Such involvement of grandparents is generally considered a source of positive feelings. However, it cannot be ignored its potential incompatibility with the expected rest and enjoyment of their current life stage. In that regard, and given the wide range of individual circumstances of contemporary grandparents, this research aims to get to know these circumstances and delve into the satisfaction with them. To this effect, an ex post facto study has been carried out with a sample of 350 grandparents, using an instrument of our own elaboration. Results show that most of the participants have a personal situation that eases the assumption of such tasks, and with which they are highly satisfied. Being relatively young, not working outside the home, being healthy enough to accomplish their everyday activities, or having time for themselves are some of thefactorsthat provesuch wellbeing in thesampleanalyzed. Nonetheless, mention should be madeto the other part of the sample, sharing a more negative vision of their reality and arising hence the inescapable necessity to support and guide these grandparents at a social and educational level.

Keywords

• abuelos
• cuidado de nietos
• satisfacción
• familia