Annotation: On the Grandmothers' Role in the Adjustment and Maladjustment of Grandchildren

The present annotation explores the impact of grandmother involvement on their grandchildren's adjustment. A review of relevant research suggests that the impact of such involvement is conditional on a range of factors, including (a) the level of need experienced by the mother and child, (b) the mother-grandmother relationship history, (c) the developmental stage and life circumstances of the grandmother, (d) the levels of disagreement between mother and grandmother over child-related issues, and (e) the perceived appropriateness of involvement in cultural and interpersonal terms. Under most circumstances grandmother involvement is not a pre-requisite for grandchild adjustment. Where a genuine need for support exists and the support offered is tailored to meet that need, then grandmother involvement can represent a protective feature of the family environment. However, in situations where no such need exists, or the grandmother-mother relationship history precludes a harmonious relationship, then grandmother involvement can represent a risk factor and have a negative effect on family functioning and child adjustment.