Grandparents Raising Grandchildren what to do when Grandchildren are Suddenly placed in your Care

As a grandparent you may not know what to do when your grandchildren are suddenly placed in your care. Of course, most will fulfill their responsibility and keep them, but it can be a difficult transition for both you and the children. Heed these tips.
Show them love
Your shoes may be a difficult place right now but remember that your grandchildren are probably going through far more. It is extremely difficult for a child to be pulled from his or her home to face a different life. They may be feeling very rejected and very alone. The first thing to do is to tell and show them that you love them. Give them hugs, hold them close and let them cry on your shoulder. No matter how difficult it is for you, do not let them think that they are a burden. Make them feel wanted and supported. Reassure them that everything is going to be all right and that they will have a good life with people who love them.
Be proactive in setting up a life for yourself and your grandchildren
If the situation is going to be permanent, then you can take steps to integrate the children into your life. If you need to move because you are in a senior living community, then do so. Get the children’s items so that they feel like a home. Make a new budget incorporating the grandchildren’s expenses in them. Try to do special things for them. Sign them up for classes and extracurricular activities. Become knowledgeable about pertinent details such as their medical history and school work.
Get help if you need it
You may be reeling under the pressure, and yet you will have to put on a brave face for the grandchildren. If you need extra help, then look for it. It might be in the form of a counselor if you need someone to talk to. You may want to take parenting classes. You might want to hire a babysitter, nanny or mother’s helper to help you at times. You might want to simply connect with other caregivers in some sort of mom’s club. You do not have to do this alone.
Of course you also want to make sure that your grandchildren are okay. If they need professional help, then get it for them.
It can be a challenging for a grandparent to watch their life uprooted when grandchildren are suddenly placed in their care. The above tips may help you make this difficult transition.
Updated On: 09/22/2010 Published On: 09/22/2010 Article ViewerClose
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