The circumstances faced by grandparents who become caregivers for their grandchildren are complicated and stressful. Indepth interviews were conducted with 54 grandparent caregivers (37 grandmothers and 17 grandfathers). Analysis of qualitative data involved the use of QSR NUD*IST software for organizing and coding interview transcripts. Subsets of financial, family, and legal problems specific to grandparent caregiving were identified. Grandparent caregivers acquire problem-specific coping strategies, which include taking action, talking about feelings, religious faith, focus on the grandchild, outreach to others, and some “less desirable” means. Caregiver satisfaction was related to the joys of children, the tasks of child rearing, participating in grandchildren's activities, a new focus for life, and watching a child's accomplishments. This study identified the need for additional research about interventions for the stress and coping responses of grandparent caregivers.
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