Book Review of: Garrison, Gary. (2018). Raising Grandkids: Inside Skipped Generation Families. Regina: University of Regina Press.
Year: 2022
Type: book-review
Abstract: Gary Garrison's book, "Raising Grandkids", is a compelling narrative that illustrates the complicated journey of raising one's grandchildren in the absence of their parents.This journey is one of joy, sorrow, and hope.Through various personal narratives, Garrison eloquently discusses challenging topics, such as raising a skipped-generation FASD (fetal alcohol spectrum disorder) child, Indigenous grandparenting, foster care, and much more.In these personal narratives, Garrison highlights two important themes, one of unconditional love and sacrifice, and the other of discrimination which permeates in the policies made by the welfare system.The author highlights how grandparents in skipped-generation families have chosen to postpone their retirement, and how they stretch their resources for the sake of their grandchildren; this is a common element that ties all the narratives together.He uses his personal experiences to form connections with other grandparents who are going through the same arduous journey.Garrison masterfully articulates each chapter by discussing the various challenges and fulfillments of raising one's grandchildren.The author highlights an important difference between occasional grandparenting and fulltime grandparenting.Occasional grandparenting is common within contemporary society, this includes taking a temporary break from retirement and spoiling the grandkids with presents and
DOI: 10.29173/cjfy29774
Author: Huda Ahmed
Institutions: University of Regina, MacEwan University
Language: French
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4225906348