Maintaining harmony of life in skipped-generation households of the older adults

Abstract

This phenomenological study explored the experiences of Thai grandparents who were raising their grandchildren in the absence of their parents. Semi-structured interviews were conducted among 17 grandparents representing 11 families. Data analysis identified the emerging themes of maintaining harmony of life, including perspective of life, positive frame of mind, courage and hope, intrinsic motivation, and perception toward the new role. The results of this study can contribute to enhancing the harmony of life for grandparents raising their grandchildren in skipped-generation households.

Keywords

• maintaining harmony
• skipped-generation households
• phenomenology
• Thai grandparents