Grandparents raising grandchildren

1. Grandparents raising grandchildren HN365-01-Unit 4 Assignment Jacqueline Taylor Kaplan University Psychology of Aging HN365-01 Melissa Valentine October 14, 2013 Adults 65 and over raising their children’s children

2. “When parents are absent or unable to raise their children, grandparents are often the ones who step in. Raising a second generation brings many rewards, including the fulfillment of giving your grandchildren a sense of security, developing a deeper relationship, and keeping the family together. It also comes with many challenges. No matter how much you love your grandchildren, taking them into your home requires major adjustments. With the right guidelines and support, you can roll back the years and make a real difference in the lives of your grandchildren” ("Grandparents as Parents," n.d., para. 1).

3. Introduction This slide presentation will describe the psychological and physical problems and challenges that relate to the increasing challenge of grandparents raising grandchildren. It will also discuss perceptions and misconceptions that may exist regarding the older population and their ability/inability to perform such a responsible and sometimes necessary function. This has personal meaning for the author as she took care of some and also foster-parented one of her own grandchildren.

5. Stressand worry. • Anger or resentment • Guilt • Grief

6. Take Care of Yourself…

7. A healthy you means healthy grandchildren. • Hobbies and relaxation are not luxuries. • It’s okay to lean on your grandchildren for help.

8. Find someone you can talk to about what you’re going through. • Look for support groups for grandparents raising grandchildren. • Reach out in your community for childcare help. • Connect with parents with children.

9. Your grandchildren will have mixed feelings too

10. Your grandchildren may resent being separated from their parent and wish to return to their home. • Your grandchildren's feelings may come out in many ways, including behavior. • No matter their behavior, your grandchildren need your comfort and support.

11. Remember that children often act out in a safe place. • When grandkids first arrive, they may be on their best behavior.

12. Focus on creating a stable environment

13. Establish a routine. • Encourage their input in their new home. • Set up clear, age-appropriate house rules and enforce them consistently.

14. Make sure that each grandchild has a private space. • Offer your time and attention.

15. Encourage open and honest communication

16. Plan regular times when you sit and talk to each other. • Encourage your grandchildren to talk about their feelings, both good and bad. • Help your grandkids learn to identify their emotions.

17. Young children communicate through play. • It’s okay to say, “I don’t know.”

18. How much should you tell young grandchildren? • Avoid telling the child too much. • Avoid telling the child too little or nothing at all. • Never twist the facts or lie to the child.

19. Encourage contact with parents

20. Don’t put your grandchild in the middle. • Communicate and cooperate with your grandchild’s parent. • Make visits part of your grandchild's routine.

21. Be sensitive to your grandchild’s feelings. • Help your grandchild deal with disappointment.

22. Get legal, financial, and caregiving support. Related articles: • Grandparents Rights when Raising Grandchildren • Separation Anxiety in Children • Staying Healthy over 50 • Exercise and Fitness over 50 • Help for Parents of Troubled Teens

23. Reference Articles: • Grandfamilies Guide – If you are just starting to care for your grandchild, this guide will help you find your way. Covers legal issues, family challenges, and how to find support. (AARP) • Grandparenting Today - Grandparents Raising Grandchildren – Series of publications covers family relationships and child development issues that you may face as a grandparent raising a grandchild. (University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension) • Grandparents Raising Grandchildren – Practical fact sheets for grandparents raising grandkids. Includes information on moving your grandchild into your home and staying in contact with parents. (The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension)

24. Reference Articles • Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Series – Series of articles covering topics such as reasons for your grandchild’s misbehavior and building strong families. (University of Florida IFAS Extension) • Grandfamilies: Challenges of Caring for the Second Family (PDF) – Introduction to some of the challenges you may face when raising a grandchild, including legal, financial, educational, and mental health issues. (Generations United) • GrandFacts – State fact sheets for grandparents raising grandchildren. Learn about local programs and resources, foster care policies and services, public benefits, and financial assistance. (AARP) • Generations United - Grandfamilies – Free fact sheets and publications for grandparents raising grandchildren, including information about legal, financial, and support. (Generations United)

25. Senescence Theories

26. Perceptions and Misconceptions of Old Age

27. Summary This slide presentation has attempted to describe the psychological and physical problems and challenges that relate to the increasing challenge of grandparents raising grandchildren. Perceptions and misconceptions were mentioned that may exist regarding the older population and their ability/inability to perform such a responsible and sometimes necessary function. This was also taken from some of the personal experiences of the author who took care of some and also foster-parented one of her own grandchildren.

28. References • Aging Myths: 10 Common Misconceptions About Growing Older. (2012, June 22). Huffington Post. Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/22/aging-myths_n_1592990.html • Exercise and Fitness Over 50. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.helpguide.org/life/senior_fitness_sports.htm • Foos, P. W., & Clark, M. C. (2008). Human Aging (2nd ed.). Retrieved from http://online.vitalsource.com/#/books/9781269311656/pages/76739563 • Grandparents Rights When Raising Grandchildren. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.helpguide.org/mental/help_for_grandparents_raising_grandchildren.htm • Help for Parents of Troubled Teens. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.helpguide.org/mental/troubled-teens.htm

29. References • Perception. (2013). In Dictionary. Retrieved from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perception • Separation Anxiety in Children. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.helpguide.org/mental/separation_anxiety_causes_prevention_treatment.htm • Smith, M., & Segal, J. (2013). Grandparents as Parents. Retrieved from http://www.helpguide.org/mental/child_family_grandparents_raising_grandchildren.htm • Staying Healthy Over 50. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.helpguide.org/life/healthy_aging_seniors_aging_well.htm • Wear and Tear Theories of Aging. (2010). Retrieved from http://www.programmed-aging.org/theories/wear_and_tear.html • misconception. (2013). In Free Online Dictionary. Retrieved from http://www.thefreedictionary.com/misconception