Transnational Families in the Philippines : Grandmothers and Children Left Behind

Abstract: Summary: Qualitative interviews were conducted to grandmothers and children living in transnational families in the Philippines. The study aims to examine how they experience their life situation and how they find strategies to cope with difficulties that may appear in transnational family life. Findings: The grandmothers experience difficulties with ageing and health problems in their role as caregivers, and the children experience difficulties with new responsibilities such as household chores, taking care of younger siblings and manage school. For both respondents the financial benefits with having a family member working abroad is the most important. Applications: The results are discussed in the context of globalization, transnational families and gender.