Grandparents called upon to raise grandchildren
Caribbean L 30 ife, Aug. 16-23, 2019 BQ
PATIENTS’
CHOICE
RATED & AWARDED BY PATIENTS
SM
Wellness
Older adults whose children
have grown up often
look forward to the
next stages in life, which may
involve retirement, downsizing,
and enjoying visits with
their grandchildren. A growing
number of aging adults
may fi nd themselves playing
a key role in their grandchildren’s
lives.
According to data from the
U.S. Census Bureau, 2.7 million
grandparents across the
country are stepping into parental
roles for their grandkids.
Some assist their adult
children while others have
become the primary caregivers.
Factors like military deployment,
illness, incarceration,
and substance abuse are
forcing grandparents to take
on responsibilities they may
have thought were over. PBS
reports that, between 2009 and
2016, the number of grandparents
raising grandchildren in
the United States rose by even
percent.
Although raising the next
generation can bring about
many rewards, including security,
sense of purpose, a deeper
relationship with family, and
social interaction, there are
many obstacles as well. That
includes the fi nancial strain
that raising children can place
on individuals unprepared for
the cost of child-rearing. Census
fi gures also show that
about one-fi fth of grandparents
caring for children have
incomes that fall below poverty
level. Grandparents may
be rusty concerning safety
requirements and equipment
now needed to care for grandchildren
as well.
As grandparents navigate
the unexplored waters of raising
grandchildren, there are
certain factors they need to
consider:
Legal advice or
advocacy
Certain circumstances
may require grandparents
to seek legal help so they can
raise their grandchildren in
lawful ways. If there is neglect,
divorce, arrest, or other
factors, it may be a smart idea
for grandparents to seek the
help of an attorney or advocacy
group to clarify their legal
rights and ensure access to
grandchildren.
In addition, grandparents
may need certain legal documents,
such as a power of attorney,
citizenship papers,
adoption records, or consent
forms.
Get educated
The rules have changed
since grandparents raised
their own children. It is important
they learn as much as
possible on child safety guidelines.
Consumer advocacy
groups or pediatricians can
help explain how guidelines
have changed. New furniture
and toys that meet current
safety guidelines may have to
replace older, unsafe items.
Take care of
yourself
Raising grandchildren
can be emotionally taxing,
especially if poor circumstances
led to the grandchildren
being placed with family.
It is crucial to recognize
feelings and one’s own health
when caring for others.
A grandparent who is
exhausted or overwhelmed
may not offer the appropriate
care. Emphasizing one’s
own mental and physical
health is essential, as is getting
help and advice when
it’s most needed. The organization
AARP recommends
compiling a list of support
services, such as respite
care providers, counselors,
and support groups.
Grandchildren will
have feelings, too
Children, whether they are
old enough to understand or
not, may react to change differently.
Some children may
act out while others may grow
detached. Grandparents can
focus on providing stable environments
and offer support
and consistency even if grandchildren
are withdrawing or
pushing their loved ones away
with words or actions.
Raising grandchildren
can be complicated, but it
has become more prevalent.
It can take time for these
new family units to find
their grooves. More information
is available at www.
aarp.org in their GrandFamilies
Guide.
/www.aarp.org
/www.aarp.org
/aarp.org