European Journal of Social Work, 15(1), 2012, pp.63-80.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
A large number of parents from Romania migrate for work. Estimates suggest that 126,000 children in Romania have both parents abroad, and that half of these children are less than 10 years old. When both parents migrate, the majority of children remain in the care of grandparents. Existing policies are mainly aimed at assisting children ‘left behind’ and fail to address the needs
A large number of parents from Romania migrate for work. Estimates suggest that 126,000 children in Romania have both parents abroad, and that half of these children are less than 10 years old. When both parents migrate, the majority of children remain in the care of grandparents. Existing policies are mainly aimed at assisting children ‘left behind’ and fail to address the needs of the grandmothers. The aim of this article is to explore the often-invisible experiences of grandmothers caring for children with migrant parents. The fieldwork was located in the northern countryside, which has an established culture of migration, and in urban and rural areas from Transylvania, where migration is more isolated. In-depth individual interviews were held with 24 grandmothers. The findings are discussed under the following themes: their living arrangements; support networks; and relation with existing services. The findings show that grandmothers develop their own coping strategies for managing childcare and for understanding the current process of migration. The article asserts the need for cultural sensitive interventions aimed at increasing grandmothers’ individual wellbeing.