• Journal of Family Resource Management and Policy Review
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.93-109
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• 2015

This study explores interpretations of grandmothers' experiences rearing their grandchildren. For this study, 13 participants provided in-depth interview data, which was analyzed according to Spradely's ethnographic method. Based on the pattern of interpretations, nine concepts were classified into three categories: (i) repentance (compulsive decisions, passivity of the childrearing activity, non-compensation); (ii) sorrow (restrictions on everyday life, renunciation of occupational careers, worsened health); and (iii) satisfaction (decreased isolation in old age, proof of existence for their children, intimacy development with their grandchild). The results of this study show that grandmothers have a higher appreciation for the benefits of relational compensation than for personal cost. Some practical implications are suggested to improve family welfare.