Cape Girardeau County

Going to Grandma's House ...to Live

As most grandparents will tell you, grandchildren are named appropriately, because these children are truly grand. So the relationship between grandparents and grandchildren is truly special. However, a growing number of grandparents are taking the full-time responsibility for raising their grandchildren.

The Census Bureau indicates that nearly 4 million children live in a household headed by a grandparent. For over one-third of these children (1.5 million) no parent is present and the grandparent assumes the role of primary care giver to his or her grandchildren or great-grandchildren. This is a 40-50% increase from the last decade. The data also shows that these grandparent-headed families are from all socioeconomic levels and ethnic groups.

Grandparents are raising their grandchildren because of different social problems-alcohol and drug abuse, teenage pregnancy, death, divorce, parental joblessness, neglect, incarceration, child abuse, abandonment, and AIDS. Children from these different situations will need special love and attention and a fresh start on life.

As a grandparent facing the prospect of caring Afull time@ for your grandchild/ren, think through what you want to do, what you are able to do, and what you must do for the fresh start of this child and for your own well being. Help is available, if you are a grandparent becoming the primary care giver for your grandchild. Learn how to work with public school systems, the child welfare system, and the legal system. Be aware that most are not set up to recognize grandparents raising their grandchildren, but you need not walk this road alone. Get help from family members, friends, and grandparent support groups. Contact AARP Grandparent Information Center at 202-434-6474 for more information. Locate and join a local support group that may be available at the hospital or counseling center.

Pause with your grandchild...when others are hurrying by

Talk with your grandchild...when others prefer shouting

Praise your grandchild...when others can only find fault

Study with your grandchild...when others have little interest in schoolwork

Hug your grandchild...when others fail to sense the power of touch

Forgive your grandchild...when others expect them to be prefect

Many grandparents did not expect to be parents again, but the loving rewards plus knowing that the grandchildren are safe outweigh the challenges.

Mary Gosche
Human Development Specialist
815 S Hope P.O. Box 408
Jackson, MO 63755
573-243-3581 FAX 573-243-1606

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		University of Missouri Extension Cape Girardeau County capeco@missouri.edu 573-243-3581 Last revised: 08/14/2008