Many challenges face grandparents raising grandchildren, even though they have love in their hearts. These tips from AARP can help guide you through this trying time that is also difficult for grandkids.
Grandparents may have to act as caregivers because of health issues of the parents, divorce, neglect, or just helping a parent sort out problems. They may have to refresh themselves with skills from the past or deal with a new life facing them.
Here are eight tips from AARP for raising grandchildren:
1. Focus on safety and well-being first — Your grandchildren may be confused or worried when undergoing a change. Make sure they feel safe in the place they are staying with the best clothing and food possible. Use safety equipment, such as car seats or strollers, if the children are young.
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2. Talk to people involved with the grandchildren — Teachers, doctors, social workers, or child welfare specialists are among the professionals who can provide assistance in raising the child. They could also guide you on finding help for healthcare or educational resources.
3. Keep important papers in a secure place — These documents may include birth certificates, marital or divorce records of parents, medical records, school papers, and information on the child’s income or assets, such as trust funds or child support.
4. Seek support — Discuss your situation with extended family members and friends. Let them know about the changes taking place in your life and ask for help and understanding if you need it. You might meet people who can provide babysitting or monitoring assistance.
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5. Schedule your time — Raising grandchildren becomes a priority, but you still have other responsibilities to handle. Do some planning on the other necessary tasks and social areas so you can take care of the children properly while meeting other needs.
6. Check out family community programs — There are faith-based organizations and community centers that offer care for your grandchildren. Children’s services, Boys and Girls Clubs, and mentoring programs aid you with your parental concerns.
7. Practice discipline — Let your grandchildren know that it is your home and they need to abide by your rules in a gentle, encouraging way. Grandparents can often be more generous and forgiving than parents, but taking over parental duties means teaching them respect.
8. Get counseling if needed — Raising grandchildren may take an emotional toll. Along with this change in life, grandparents may feel sadness, frustration, or even anger at the parents. A social worker or therapist deals with mental health needs.
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