Raising children is something often done by parents in the prime of their life, typically between the
\nages of 20 and 50. By the time retirement comes around, most of the children are off on their own,
\nleaving the parents to finally take a well-deserved rest.
\nAside from occasional contact with their young grandchildren, grandparents are usually able to live
\ntheir lives free of the responsibility of raising youngsters. But what happens when the grandparent
\nsuddenly becomes the primary caregiver for their grandchild or grandchildren?
\nGrandparents raising grandchildren is a scenario that often arises due to an unforeseen circumstance
\ninvolving their adult children- whether it be their untimely passing, a drastic life change like a divorce
\nor a move, or an unfortunate occurrence like incarceration or hospitalization. When this happens,
\neveryone involved faces many challenges as they struggle with handling their new lifestyle.<\/p>\n
Emotional Challenges<\/strong><\/p>\n When a grandparent becomes the primary caregiver for their grandchild or grandchildren, many Financial Challenges<\/strong><\/p>\n When planning for retirement, finances are often carefully calculated to include the expenses of only Physical Challenges<\/strong><\/p>\n There’s a reason most people choose to have children when they are younger. As the body ages, Challenging But Rewarding<\/strong><\/p>\n Grandparents raising grandchildren can come with many challenges, but it also offers countless Raising children is something often done by parents in the prime of their life, typically between the ages of 20 and 50. By the time retirement comes around, most of the children are off on their own, leaving the parents to finally take a well-deserved rest. Aside from occasional contact with their young grandchildren, grandparents […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[],"tags":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
\nemotional challenges can arise. There may be feelings of loss or devastation if a death or medical
\nemergency led to the change in circumstances. Children may be coping with feelings of abandonment
\nand experiencing separation anxiety.
\nThe lives of everyone, including the grandparent, may remain in a state of upheaval for several months
\nor even years. While dealing with their own emotional challenges, the grandparent can be faced with
\nthe difficult task of raising their grandchild or grandchildren at an advanced age.
\nCounseling with a licensed therapist, support groups, teachers, coaches, and fellow grandparents can all
\nbe great assets during this time of transition. The sooner help is sought, the sooner healing can begin.\n<\/p>\n
\none or two people- depending on if a spouse is involved or not. Adding in one or more children can
\ncreate a huge financial burden on the grandparent that was completely unexpected.
\nFinancial extras like a larger grocery bill, medical expenses for the child, back to school supplies, the
\ncost of sports and hobbies for the child, and potential college funds are all things that can arise while
\ncaring for the new members of the household.
\nMeeting with a financial expert immediately can be the best way to handle the financial changes that
\ncan occur when a grandparent becomes responsible for raising their grandchild or grandchildren. They
\ncan plan out a budget and correctly allocate assets where they need to be.\n<\/p>\n
\nkeeping up with little ones becomes increasingly difficult.
\nIt’s important that grandparents keep their health always at the forefront of their minds, even if their
\ntime is now mostly consumed with caring for their grandchildren. Staying active, eating healthy,
\ngetting enough rest, taking prescribed medications, and visiting the doctor regularly are all excellent
\nways to keep the mind and body in tip-top shape while raising kids.
\nFinding time to stay fit may seem impossible, but fitness centers often offer daycare at their facilities,
\ngiving grandparents plenty of opportunity to exercise. Check with local churches and recreation centers
\nfor babysitters when the need arises, as well.\n<\/p>\n
\nrewards. Being able to spend so much one-on-one time with grandchildren can keep a grandparent
\nyouthful and happy, no matter how difficult the situation was that led them there. The added bonus of
\nhaving experience raising children can make this time around much more enjoyable.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"