Beliefs about receiving benefits from grandchildren can shape grandparenting style. Which option reflects this influence?

• 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)

The idea being tested is that grandparenting style can be shaped by a social exchange mindset—grandparents adjust how involved they are based on what they think they can gain from the relationship with their grandchildren. When they believe they can receive benefits—emotional support, companionship, help in old age, or other rewards—from their grandchildren, they shape their approach to maximize those gains. This makes the belief about what can be obtained from grandchildren the best fit for explaining the influence on how they interact, set boundaries, or invest time and energy.

Other influences like memories of one’s own grandparents, how parents acted as grandparents, or attitudes from the media can color behavior, but they don’t center on the deliberate calculation of rewards from the grandchildren themselves.