Becoming a Grandmother: A Life Transition

by Sheila Kitzinger

Previous books on grandmothering have been either scholarly studies or jokey books intended to humor grannies along. Now comes a book that offers grandmothers what they really want.

Becoming a Grandmother explores the ways in which grandmothers can find satisfaction in their new roles, achieve a better understanding of family tensions, communicate more effectively, provide emotional support, and, most importantly, enjoy their grandchildren.

256 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1996

About the author

Sheila Kitzinger M.B.E, M.Litt is a social anthropologist of birth and author of 24 books published internationally, most on the emotional journey through this major life experience. At Oxford in the 50s she discovered that the social anthropology of that time was almost entirely about men. She decided she would do research to discover what was important in women's lives, and focused on pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding.
Her five children were all born at home. She lectures widely in different countries and has learned from mothers and midwives in the USA and Canada, the Caribbean, Eastern and Western Europe, Israel, Australia and New Zealand, Latin America, South Africa and Japan, and from women in prison and those who have had a traumatic birth experience.

Reviews

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I expected more than hypothetical situations. There were some good suggestions as the book moved along. The best chapter was the last, though I was a school teacher and all of her suggestions made sense.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really good book from the original expert on birth and mothering. In this one, she offers a wide range of information on grandmothering. For someone who has not thought deeply about the issues raised by the birth of the first grandchild, this would be an excellent introduction. For me, there was not very much new. Still, I enjoyed it very much: Kitzinger talks about the challenges of blended families, in-law relationships, etc. She advocates that grandmothers play, transform the issues lingering from their own mothering experiences, be a refuge for their grandchildren, enjoy them, be true to their own style, and let go of expectations. A tall order but just what I plan to do -- so BRAVA, Sheila Kitzinger!

[Willa Guadalupe Grant · Rating 3 out of 5]

An OK book- better for people who are feeling not so sure of themselves as they face becoming a grandmother. For me it was an OK affermation.

[Leeann · Rating 1 out of 5]

Awful.