Development of generativity of middle-aged woman with child-rearing experience

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The effects of temporary child-care support activities on middle-aged female helpers with child-rearing experience were investigated. Participants could be detached and relaxed and tenderly care for other's children, by not taking a mother's perspective. They realized themselves playing a vital role by care-giving, while expressed some regret about their parenthood such as, "I wish I could have known then what I know now." Knowledge gained by care activities was very useful when participants had grandchildren. The findings suggest that middle-aged women who participate in temporary child-care activates recall their child-rearing days and ascertain their current and future life-stages. Mid-life development through care-giving is discussed in the context of Erikson's construct of psychosocial generativity.