Final answer:
The overwhelming cycle refers to a situation where a grandparent becomes overly strict as the primary caregiver for a child due to parental issues such as drug abuse, incarceration, or abandonment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The overwhelming cycle, also known as the oppressive cycle, occurs when a grandparent becomes excessively strict in their role as the primary caregiver for a child. This often happens when the child's parents are unable to fulfill their parental responsibilities due to issues such as drug abuse, incarceration, or abandonment.