Grandparents and childcare

Around a third of grandparents regularly care for their grandchildren, but there is little research on why they do this or how they feel about it. This project, led by Dr David Lain, seeks to make the voices of grandparents heard. Interviews will be conducted with 60 grandparents who look after their grandchildren when their adult children are working or in education/training.

The research will be used to write a report for Grandparents Plus, the UK charity that promotes the interests of grandparents and families. The University of Brighton has provided funding for the project as part of its Rising Stars initiative.

If you would like to be involved in the project or would like to receive further information, please contact David Lain.

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Watch Dr David Lain explain about his research into childcare provided by grandparents and its implications. 

Project timeframe

This research project commenced in 2015 and will end in 2016.

Project objectives

The objectives of this research are to:

  • improve understanding about the role of grandparents in terms of providing regular care for grandchildren
  • give a voice to grandparents who contribute to the wellbeing of children in their families in this way
  • explore motivations, support for and attitudes towards this role
  • gather data with a view to formulating policy recommendations based on evidence-based research.

Project findings and impact

This project is ongoing; findings and impact will be reported here in due course.

Research team

CROME

Dr David Lain

Professor Jacqueline O’Reilly

University of Edinburgh

Professor Wendy Loretto, Professor of Organisational Behaviour (University of Edinburgh)

Wendy Bishop, Research Fellow

Output

Research will be used to create a report for Grandparent Plus, the UK charity that promotes the interests of grandparents and families.

Partners

Grandparents Plus

University of Edinburgh