Les grands-parents, repères dans les familles complexes

Abstract

After reviewing sociodemographic data concerning grandparents and the relationships between generations, the authors describe the specific role that grandparents can play with their grandchildren. The position of grandparents within the child’s dynamics is then addressed from a psycho-analytical perspective and, more specifically, in the light of findings on the inter-generational transmission of unconscious fantasies. Within complex family constellations, grandparents themselves are often complex. However, it is possible to involve them in a useful manner in their grandchildren’s therapy, by allowing them to play a positive role that may become even more important when unexpected. The authors illustrate this approach with clinical cases from their work with families in a therapeutic day center for children and a therapeutic boarding institution.