An individual's grandparenting style is shaped by several influences. Which of the following is NOT typically considered a contributing factor?

• A. Childhood memories of grandparents.
• B. Perceptions of the way parents acted as grandparents.
• C. Attitudes picked up about grandparenting from the media.
• D. Calculation of what can be obtained from grandchildren.

Answer: (D)

Grandparenting style is largely shaped through social learning and early family experiences. Our own childhood memories of how our grandparents acted shape what we expect and value in that role, guiding how warm, involved, or distant we choose to be. Observing how our parents acted as grandparents provides a model to imitate or to differentiate from, shaping patterns of involvement, boundary setting, and routines. Attitudes and scripts drawn from media about what grandparenting should look like also influence our expectations and behaviors, reinforcing norms about time, support, and the nature of the grandparent–grandchild relationship.

The idea of calculating what can be obtained from grandchildren, on the other hand, reflects a personal, transactional motive rather than a process by which grandparenting styles are learned and shaped. It’s not typically considered a foundational influence on how one ultimately behaves as a grandparent, whereas memories, parental modeling, and societal messages are central drivers of style.