The Teenage Years

Have you noticed that being a grandparent changes when children become teens? Adolescence is a time of rapid growth in how a teen looks, acts, thinks, and feels. With this growth, teenagers begin to need different things out of life. You may need to change your grandparenting style in order to meet the new needs of your teenagers. You might feel like you don't know them anymore, but don't be alarmed--the changes are usually normal.

For more information regarding the generation gap, adapting parenting styles, puberty, etc. go to:

http://www.fcs.uga.edu/ext/pubs/chfd/CHFD-E-59-09.pdf

From: Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, Cooperative Extension, The University of Georgia

Caring for Infants and Toddlers

As a grandparent, you may feel "out of practice" in caring for a very young child. It may have been many years since your own children were young. We know more now about how the brain develops and how to keep children safe. the number of "educational" toys and products may seem overwhelming. What's a grandparent raising an infant or toddler to do?

The first step to caring your your young grandchildren is to relax. Even though we've learned more over the last few years about how very young children develop, the basic needs haven't changed all that much. The basics that you gave your own children are still the most important things for your young grandchild: a warm, loving relationship; a safe, secure home; chances to try new things; consistent routines; and gentle, loving guidance. By providing a nurturing home for your grandchild, you are giving her essential support that will help her grow into a healthy, happy adult.

For more information on basic safety, brain development, relationships, etc. visit this site:

http://www.fcs.uga.edu/ext/pubs/chfd/CHFD-E-59-08.pdf

From: Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, Cooperative Extension, The University of Georgia

Legal Issues in Caring for Your Grandchildren

As a grandparent raising your grandchildren, you might not have imagined being involved with the legal system. but if your grandchildren live with you for a long time, you may eventually need legal support and advice to provide the best care for them. It's important for you to understand laws affecting grandparents raising grandchildren. the following information is a brief introduction to the legal system as it applies to grandparents caring for their grandchildren. You can find more information at the following link:

http://www.fcs.uga.edu/ext/pubs/chfd/CHFD-E-59-07.pdf

but this information is NOT intended to substitute for actual legal advice. If any of these legal issues affect you, your first step is to seek advice from a qualified attorney.


From: Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension

Accessing Resources in Your Community

Raising grandchildren can be expensive, especially for grandparents with limited budgets. If you're struggling to make ends meet, you may want to check out the financial resources and services in your community. Your family may be eligible for federal and state financial assistance programs to help with the costs of food, health care, and other expenses. There are also other good resources in your community that can help make the job of raising your grandchildren easier.

Welfare reform has changed the ways that federal and state benefits are distributed to children and families. Changes in food stamps, Medicaid, and Social Security have also happened since welfare reform began in the 1990's. Follow this link  -

http://www.fcs.uga.edu/ext/pubs/chfd/CHFD-E-59-06.pdf

to a brief introduction to the kinds of resources available. Keep in mind that most financial assistance programs are now administered by local agencies and government offices. Contact the appropriate local offices to get the most current information about the programs.

Provided by Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension.

What Grandparents Need to Know About Abuse and Neglect

No grandparent likes to imagine a grandchild being mistreated. But the reality is that children who live in a turbulent home -- where chronic problems like family violence or substance abuse take place -- are at high risk for abuse and neglect. As you adjust to the demands of caring for your grandchildren, you might also have to help your grandchildren cope with the aftermath of abuse or neglect.

What Is Child Abuse?
Child abuse is any intentional action that causes physical, emotional or mental damage to a child. Abuse is most often caused by an adult who is more powerful than the child.

Every 21 minutes, a child is abused.  Abuse and neglect can happen anywhere, to children of all races and incomes. It may be happening just down the street, next door, or across the hall from where you live. Children who are abused can have permanent physical or emotional scars. In the most severe cases, abuse can cause death.

For more information regarding types of abuse, signs and symptoms, reporting abuse and the after effects follow this link:

http://www.fcs.uga.edu/ext/pubs/chfd/CHFD-E-59-05.pdf

From: Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension

Helping Your Grandchildren Deal with the Death of a Parent

Handling death is always a difficult process. Dealing with your grief stretches your emotional resources, and handling details such as a funeral and burial requires time and planning. For some grandparents, the death of an adult child also means that you must accept responsibility for raising grandchildren.

The stress of so many changes at once can be overwhelming for the entire family. Adults often do not know how to explain a death to children, and are unprepared to help children handle their own grief over the loss of a parent. But with sensitivity and compassion, you can help your grandchildren learn to cope with the death, move through the stages of grief, and find productive ways to express their emotions.

For more information follow this link:

http://www.fcs.uga.edu/ext/pubs/chfd/CHFD-E-59-04.pdf

From Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension

Taking Care of Yourself

Have you ever felt like no one appreciates the time you put into your grandchildren? When you’re caring for children, it may seem like there are not enough hours in the day. You may spend most of your time taking care of others and have less time for the things you enjoy. But it’s important to take time out for you. Follow this link some ideas for how to take care of yourself by managing your time wisely, using relaxation and exercise, taking time-outs to regroup, and joining a support group.

http://www.fcs.uga.edu/ext/pubs/chfd/CHFD-E-59-02.pdf

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension