Grandparents parenting their grandchildren

Objectives: This study aims to describe the perceptions of grandparents parenting their grandchildren on full‐time bases. Method: The paper uses a descriptive qualitative approach to depict grandparents’ parental experience. Seventeen grandparents, including four couples, were interviewed. Data were analysed and interpreted using content analysis. Results: The findings indicated that grandparents parenting their grandchildren found that this unexpected role brought several emotional, social and financial problems into their lives. They actively looked for resources that could provide them with support to overcome the stressors of their parental role. Many expressed concerns about the future of their grandchildren and frustration when they were dealing with government institutions. Conclusion: A number of important areas are identified that have policy implications.