: How to Deal with the Loss of Friends when Taking on the Responsibility of Raising your Grandchildren

:
(409 Words)
Raising grandchildren can change your life in a lot of ways. One of the more difficult ways is that you may lose friends who are not accustomed to dealing with children. The following are some methods to deal with this loss.
Enjoy what you do have with your grandchildren
As sad as losing friends are, you might have a better time coping with it if you think about what you are gaining from your grandchildren. Even if it is not what you would have chosen, it is a unique opportunity to guide a young child as they grow. Enjoy the happiness they give you, and let it more than make up for the loss of your friends. See the connection that you have with your children. Enjoy the love they can provide.
Try to keep contact with your friends as best you can
Even if you cannot see your friends as you used to because of your new responsibilities that does not mean that you might not be able to keep in contact with them. For instance, you may be able to talk on the phone with them, write e-mails or write letters. Try to think of innovative ways to keep in touch.
Try to make new friends
Just because you have lost friends because of your grandchildren does not mean that you cannot actually gain some because of them as well. You may need to find people who are a little more comfortable being around children. You might want to consider joining some sort of parenting group. Even a self-described “mom’s club” will often take grandparents as well. It can be a great way to meet people who are raising kids just as you are. Also, you can try to network from the different activities your child is in. For instance, you can become active in the PTA. You can try to become friendly with the other parents from your children’s activities like baseball, soccer, ballet, etc.
Try self-help techniques
There are other techniques that may help you with your loss of friends. There are different books on grandparents raising grandchildren and some touch upon this. You can also try to connect with other grandparents in similar situations. A counselor might help you if you find that you are really having a difficult time dealing with it.
Dealing with the loss of friends because you are raising grandchildren can be difficult. The above techniques may help you cope.
Updated On: 09/15/2010 Published On: 09/15/2010 Article ViewerClose
Helium 360 – Humanities 360
HUMANITIES PROJECT 20100901 – 20100930
Simple Ways to Improve your French Vocabulary
by Suzanne Rose
WritingImagesAttachments