Discuss attachment security in skipped-generation families

What will be an ideal response?

About 4 to 5 percent of U.S. children live with their grandparents but apart from parents, in so-called skipped-generation families. Grandparents generally step in when parents' troubled lives threaten children's well-being. As a result, grandparents tend to assume the parenting role under highly stressful life circumstances. Unfavorable child-rearing experiences have left their mark on children, who show high rates of learning difficulties, depression, and antisocial behavior. Absent parents' adjustment difficulties strain family relationships. Many grandparent caregivers report feeling emotionally drained, depressed, and worried about what will happen to the children if their own health fails.
Nevertheless, because they provide physical and emotional care for an extended time and are invested in the child's well-being, grandparent caregivers forge significant attachment relationships with their grandchildren. Warm grandparent–grandchild bonds help protect children from worsening adjustment problems, even under conditions of great hardship. Interviews reveal that children often feel loved, cared for, and optimistic about their futures. Still, grandparent caregivers have a tremendous need for social and financial support and intervention services for their at-risk grandchildren.