If you are a lot like my own grandmother who was left with three grandchildren to raise by herself, then I salute you. Grandparents raising grandchildren have become quite common these days. If you must know, there are over two million of you wonderful grandmas and grandpas out there who are doing a very good job in raising today’s generation of kids which can be both trying and tiring. But, as my own grandmother pointed out, she would rather take care of her own grandchildren herself rather than leave us to the care of nannies who are technically, complete strangers.
Read below for some helpful tips for grandparents raising grandchildren these days. And remember, you are doing a great job at it:
It is important that you legally establish your status to your grandchildren. Most seek the advice of lawyers to find out if establishing yourself as your grandchild’s legal guardian would be best.
Since you would be raising your grandchild, make sure that you have your financial status evaluated. The Internal Revenue Service can even make arrangements so that you and your grandchild can be qualified for Federal grants or tax deduction programs to give you financial support.
Is your home grandchild friendly? Make it a point to have a room or place in the house especially reserved for your grandchild.
Make an appointment with the schools in your area where you would enroll your grandchild. Be sure to explain to the teachers and officers the family’s situation so they would be prepared to adjust according to what your grandchild would need.
Make sure that you are aware of your grandchild’s medical history.
Take care of yourself. This new generation of children can a exhausting. And you can see the difference on the physical demands of children today compared to your own kids’ needs thirty years earlier. If you plan to keep up, make sure you are healthy and you have a lot of energy.
Stay strong. Not only in the physical sense but also emotionally and mentally. Always keep in mind that your grandchildren rely on you and need you. Take care of them, be involved in their activities in school, know who their friends are, and take active part in their lives.
Grandparents raising grandchildren have become all too common these days. It is important that both grandparents and grandchildren maintain a friendly and loving relationship between each other. Make memories with your grandkids and let them know they are a blessing, not a burden.
Author Resource:
Jamie is a mother of three who likes exercise and the great outdoors. As a freelance journalist, Jamie enjoys writing articles about her favorite subjects such as parenting and families. As an expert in relationship , Jamie teaches classes in her community. In addition to writing, Jamie enjoys to spend time with her family and their two dogs.
Jamie is a mom of three who enjoys working out and the great outdoors. She is a self-employed author who spends her time researching raising kids and marriage relationships for her reports. As an expert in relationship , Jamie teaches classes in her community. In addition to writing, Jamie enjoys to spend time with her family and their two dogs.