Grandparents raising their grandchildren- Part 2
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EmailThe second article in a series about the increasing statistic of grandparents who raise their grandchildren.
Dealing with a grandchild who has been abandoned by his parents or experienced trauma or loss can be challenging, according to Michigan State University Extension. All children will experience a sense of loss when they don't live with their birth parents. According to Parents as Teachers, it is best to be truthful instead of keeping secrets while still using your best judgment about the details. When grandparents provide day-to-day care there are some things they can do to encourage development and nurture the relationship with their grandchildren. Letting the child know how happy you are to have them in your life and creating a safe and consistent life will help boost self-esteem for the child and also nurture your relationship with your grandchild. Setting limits and boundaries makes all children feel safe and secure, make easier transitions, and have better awareness of what will happen next. Involving children in household chores and duties will help them feel like an important, and useful, part of the household. This can also be a huge help to the caregiver.
Many grandparents need to reeducate themselves about many things:
- Stay up to date: From technology to the latest trends in parenting.
- Physical aspect: Often time’s grandparents find it challenging to keep up with their grandchildren because they lack the energy and may have physical limitations. It is important to rest when the child rests.
- Combine activities: Incorporate chores and errands with fun activities to help balance things out for you and the child. For example, stop at a park on your way to the grocery store so that you can have a break and your grandchild can use up some energy!
