Now a days grandparents are raising their grandchildren. Whether willing or not, it's a job that deserves a badge of honor. There are several reasons why a grandparent decides to take on parental responsibility of their grandchildren. They may have a child that is on drugs, incarcerated, deceased, mentally unstable or just M.I.A. Many young ladies enter into the military, having to turn immediate custody to a third-party. Nine times out of ten, the children's grandmother.
It doesn't matter what plans you have visualized yourself doing, it's now back to day cares and preschools. The older the child is, depending on the relationship you have with your grandchild, the more of an adjustment that has to be made. They are no longer just coming for a weekend visit. Your priority is to keep them safe and to make them feel at home. Having a stable routine and a few rules won't hurt.
All those things that you thought you never had to worry about again, you suddenly find yourself now worrying to the hundredth power. Like bullying at school, grades, homework and the number one fear, depending on the situation in which you obtained your grandchild/children, something you cringe at the very thought of, them missing or being misused.
Dr. Phil McGraw best known as Dr. Phil aired a show on child safety. He suggested something that even as a parent you would not think to do. Have passports made for your grandchildren even if you never intend to leave the Country. If you obtain a passport for them it makes it impossible for someone else to do so. And to teach them a safety word that only few people know. If someone does not know the safety word, it's not safe to talk with or go off with them.
Keep the communication lines open. They may feel confused or even abandoned, angry or afraid. Sign them up for outside activities. The busier you keep them, will eliminate stress off you and them. It won't hurt for you to get involved in a few grandparent groups or activities. Check with your local DHR (Social Service) office, schools or churches. You will find comfort to know that you are not alone. In fact, as early as the 2000 Census, it was found that 2.4 million grandparents have responsibility for their grandchildren. A grandmother is a hard job, but to her grandchildren, she is a true blessing. THUMBS UP!
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