Tips for Involving Grandparents

1. Tips for Involving Grandparents Created by: Chantel Wright, Kendra Sanchez and Kate Claypool

2. Facts about Grandparent Guardians • According to the 2000 United States Census, 4.5 million children under the age of 18 live with their grandparents. • 2.4 million of these children, neither parent is involved in their care, establishing the grandparent as the primary caregiver. • Grandparents need support and encouragement as they support their school-age grandchildren, and communication between school and home is essential.

3. The Realities of Parenting As A Grandparent • Transitioning from occasional visits to full time parenting can be stressful and overwhelming. • Grief can be a factor if the loss of their is what has lead to parenting the grand children. • Guilt may be a factor due to their feeling of failure as a parent • They may feel anger or resentment towards the child’s parents. • They are disheartened at the loss of their retirement years.

4. Supports to Offer As A Professional • Share information about school or classroom policies through diverse means • Provide grandparents access to policies that affect their grandchildren.  • Publish policies on the Internet, send copies home for grandparents to read, and hold orientation/informational meetings throughout the year. • Be available when grandparents want to ask a policy question and answer their questions clearly and accurately. • Schooling and children have changed. Providing refresher parenting courses will give grandparents a better understanding of their expectations as new parents.

5. Sources • Morrison, G. S. (2012). Early Childhood Education Today. Saddle River, NJ: Pearson. • http://www.glencoe.com/sec/teachingtoday/weeklytips.phtml/234 • Melinda Smith, M. a. (2013, August). Grandparents as Parents. Retrieved from Help Guide.org: A Trusted Non-profit Resource: http://www.helpguide.org/mental/child_family_grandparents_raising_grandchildren.htm