Grandma Grace Psychology

Given the human and technological resources available, parents and other caretakers adapt the customs and practices of child rearing – inherited and adapted ways of nurturing, entertaining, educating, and protecting the child – to the ecological and cultural settings in which they live (Super & Harkness, 1986). The most prominent caregiving figure in Keon’s life is his Grandma Grace, a 55 year-old social worker. Although it is customary for American children to have their mothers as primary caregiver, Jada’s (Keon’s mother and Grace’s daughter) prohibits her from fulfilling this role, and Grandma Grace fills this void. Grace exhibits behaviors that aim to nurture (working in order to provide for her family’s needs), entertain (allowing Keon to engage in outdoor play), educate (showing awareness of the academic program at Keon’s school and giving him time to do his homework), and protect (setting a curfew and limiting his interaction within their dangerous neighborhood) Keon. …show more content…
Grace’s beliefs about what Keon needs and grows, her childrearing goals, and her beliefs about effective rearing techniques (Super & Harkness, 1986) play an important role in how she understands her own children (and grandchildren) and how she guides their development (Harkness, Super, and Johnson, 2006). From the narrative, it is evident that Grace puts prime on family relationships, explaining her closeness to her own mother and how she encourages Keon to be close to his brothers. Grace also emphasizes the development of independence, being street smart, staying safe, and valuing education. However, her circumstances often lead her tired, strained, and