2012 Democratic Presidential Candidates Parents and Grandparents comparison

In the April 1994 paper, “The Influence of Grandparents and Stepgrandparents on Grandchildren”, Dr. Laura DeHaan and Dr. Sean Brotherson from the North Dakota State University wrote,

“Grandparents and stepgrandparents influence their grandchildren both directly and indirectly. Direct influences come from face-to-face interaction, and indirect influences are realized through a third party… It's interesting to note the variety of terms used to refer to the many roles grandparents or stepgrandparents play. For example:

•Stress buffer •Watchdog •Arbitrator •Roots/family historian •Supporter

… The intergenerational contact reflects a high value for family connection. Grandchildren exposed to such contact are less fearful of old age and the elderly. They feel more connected to their families.”

But we already know this, don’t we? Our grandparents play an important, yet hugely underrated role in our psychological development. In a sense, they provide the secondary nurturing element in our childhood.

Of course, this is no way takes anything away from our parents. The fundamental principles governing our lives, emotional quotient, spiritual and emotional makeup – just about every primary parameters of our being are shaped by our parents (or in their absence, other available role models).

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Comment on Parents and Grandparents

Declared 2012 Democratic Presidential Candidate
Current President of the United States

Barack Obama

Obama Parents and Grandparents



Father:  Barack Obama Sr. (1936-1982), Senior Economist in the Kenyan Ministry of Finance
and Economic Planning.


Mother:  Stanley Ann Dunham (1942 – 1995), Educator and Anthropologist 


Stepfather:  Lolo Soetoro Mangundikardjo (1935 – 1987), Geographer, Colonel with the
Indonesian Army and Oil Company Executive


Paternal Grandfather: Onyango Hussein Obama (1895-1979), Soldier, Cook, Handyman,
Farmer


Paternal Grandmother: Habibah Akumu daughter of Njoga, Housewife


Paternal Step-Grandmother:  Sara Ogwel, Housewife


Maternal Grandfather: Stanley Armour Dunham (1918-1992), U.S Army (USAF 1830th Ordnance),
Furniture Store Manager, Furniture Store Salesman and an Insurance Salesman


Maternal Grandmother:  Madelyn Lee Payne (1922-2008), Assembly Line Worker,
Housewife