Embracing the Elderly Affections: Understanding the Lived Experiences Among Filipino Children Raised by Custodial Grandparents

Abstract

A child's growth and development correspond with the guidance of the adults. Not only do parents take on full responsibility, but it has also passed on to the hands of their grandparents, commonly in Filipino household traditions. In this regard, this paper discusses providing a clear understanding of the lived experiences of Filipino Grandchildren in the Philippines concerning their adaptation and struggles. This qualitative study utilized the phenomenological approach to fully understand the lived experiences and perceptions of the participants, specifically the Filipino Grandchildren relative to the central question of ?What are the common traits of Filipino children raised by grandparents situated in the Philippines?? The necessary set of data was obtained in a forty-three (43) semi-structured interview and formulated themes from the participants? responses. Findings have shown the developmental stages and learnings of the Filipino grandchildren. It is composed of four major themes namely: Deepening Relations, Challenging Ordeals, Advancing Stages, and Enlightening Guidance. The rising number of grandparent care promulgates its distinct features and knowledge in the provision of their grandchildren. It has abruptly led to a significance of the familial tradition of the Filipinos. To build up the spaces, this paper suggests the future researchers to further expand and diversify the selection of participants to collect an all-inclusive verbalization of their lived experiences. Furthermore, to conduct further analysis on how the pandemic (COVID-19) impacts the Filipino grandchildren-grandparents family relations.