The Role of Grandparenting in Overcoming Children's Independence: A Case Study of Parental Divorce

Abstract

Parental divorce in early childhood often leads to emotional difficulties that may affect children’s independence, particularly when caregiving responsibilities are transferred to grandparents. This study aims to describe the role of grandparenting, specifically grandmothers as primary caregivers, in shaping the independence of children aged 5–6 years after parental divorce in Tanjungsekar Village, Pucakwangi District, Pati Regency. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed, with data collected through in-depth interviews, observations, and documentation. The research subjects consisted of two grandmothers serving as primary caregivers and two children aged 5–6 years. The findings indicate that children raised under a firm and consistent caregiving approach tend to show more directed and stable independence despite experiencing emotional challenges after parental divorce. In contrast, permissive caregiving characterized by excessive freedom was associated with children’s dependency and less developed independence. The results highlight the important role of grandparenting in emotional regulation and the development of children’s independence following parental divorce. The state of the art of this study lies in its specific focus on grandmother-led caregiving in post-divorce contexts within a rural setting. This study contributes empirical insights for early childhood educators and families regarding the importance of appropriate and consistent caregiving patterns in alternative family care arrangements.