Two Melbourne researchers are documenting the experiences of contemporary grandmothers for an upcoming book.
Professor Susan Moore from Swinburne University and Professor Doreen Rosenthal from the University Melbourne have surveyed close to 1,000 grandmothers over the past year.
However they are still interested in hearing from more grandmothers who have something to say about the transition to being a grandparent.
“We’ve been overwhelmed by the sense of joy that emanates from the survey comments and emails that we’ve received so far,” said Professor Moore. “There is no doubt that grandmothers love what they do.”
Many grandmothers have commented that they are now more patient and relaxed than when bringing up their own children.
There were also many comments about how grandchildren can bring grandparents closer to their own children and strengthen family ties.
“Watching young children grow and develop and watching your son or daughter develop as a parent are life enhancing experiences, as is being able to offer a special relationship to a grandchild,” said Professor Moore..
Some grandmothers said their grandchildren helped to keep them young, kept them up to date with what’s happening in the world, and motivated them to keep interested.
