The Big Bang: Adding a New Generation to a Family

Abstract

Emma’s family grew last year when she and her husband Ted had their first child, Flora. Like with any couple’s first child, Flora created new relationships (parent–child and grandparent–grandchild). The arrival of a new generation also forms a major turning point for existing relationships, such as between new parents and their parents, the grandparents. By taking a look at several new parent–grandparent relationships, this case uncovers some of the many smaller events that lead up to and follow childbirth. Although the process is unique in each family relationship, the unfolding events form common patterns. This case illustrates four particular patterns or trajectories: peak, valley, growth, and steady. In addition to exploring relational change, the case has a second theme: Issues of autonomy and connection, which affect all family relationships, come to the forefront in intergenerational ties between new parents and grandparents.