In the absence of accessible and affordable options for working families, grandparents have increasingly become the cornerstone of early child care in the U.S. One out of four children under the age of five is cared for by a grandparent while a parent works or goes to school. The number of multi-generational families (three or more generations living in the same household) is up. The number of families in which grandparents are raising grandchildren is up as well. Today more than ever, grandparents need support in the critical role of raising their grandchildren.
5 Tips for Grandparents Caring for Their Grandchildren
- Establish a routine to support your grandchild’s development
One of the most important things you can do to help progress your grandchild's development is to create a clearly defined structure for their days. Even though you may alternate responsibility for the children throughout the day, it is best to have a consistent schedule regardless of whether the parent or grandparent is in charge. The main intent in creating a structure for your grandchild’s day is to establish a regular routine. This means that it’s best to keep them to a regular wake-up time, meal schedule, and activity time each day. - Find Activities You Can Enjoy Together For grandparents caring for their grandchild, many people assume it will be difficult to find shared interests. The generational gap might pose some challenges when it comes to playing video games or understanding the trends and slang they use. Still, with just a bit of effort, you can easily create a list of potential activities. Check out this list to get you started.
- Balance Grandparent and Caregiver Roles It is important for you to be a positive example of discipline in your grandchild’s life. They need someone reliable, responsible, and respectful to offer guidance to help them grow into a healthy, confident adult. At the same time, it is important to embrace and enjoy the special bond of being a grandparent,not just a caregiver.
- Don’t Neglect Your Needs. While providing adequate care for your grandchildren is a priority, you also need to take time to focus on your physical, mental, and emotional needs. If you aren’t taking care of yourself, it can be very difficult to care for others. Make it a priority to eat right and exercise, even if that exercise is taking a short walk around the block. Set a consistent sleep schedule so that you can wake up and tackle each day with energy and a positive spirit. When you take good care of yourself, you set a strong example for the children in your life.
- Utilize Community Resources. Often, grandparents who care for their grandchildren find themselves overwhelmed or ill-prepared for their new responsibilities. It’s normal to feel uncertain or scared about this transition, but remember that countless resources and community connections are available to help you on this journey.
Embracing the Joy and Responsibility of Grandparenting
Caring for your grandchildren can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, offering an opportunity to share your wisdom, love, and support in shaping their future. While the responsibility can sometimes feel overwhelming, by embracing a balance between caregiving and enjoying your role as a grandparent, along with utilizing available resources, you can create a positive, nurturing environment for your grandchildren.
Cherish the special moments, and don’t forget to take care of yourself along the way—you’re an essential part of their lives, and your well-being matters too.
Citations
Nebraska Children’s Home Society. (2022, February 10). 7 tips for grandparents raising their grandchildren. NCHS Blog. https://blog.nchs.org/tips-grandparents-raising-their-grandchildren
National Council on Aging. (2021, July 8). How to help grandparents that are caring for grandkids.https://www.ncoa.org/article/how-to-help-grandparents-that-are-caring-for-grandkids/
