Find Support

Grandparenting

Raising Grandkids: Are There Health Implications?

Posted November 11, 2008 10:35 AM

Since 1970, the number of grandparents acting as primary caregivers for their grandchildren has doubled. Now the question has been raised: Is that good or bad for a grandparent's health? Precautionary health measures such as mammograms and cholesterol tests that identify the risk of heart disease are critical for the well-being of women over 50. Add the responsibility of providing sustained Read more...

See also: grandmothers, grandparenting, immunizations, raising grandkids

Share Your Thoughts | Send to Friend
SusanMitchell

Q&A From Our Experts

Today's Expert: SusanMitchell
Q:

My daughter has strict food rules for her children, and I just don't agree. I think my grandkids should be able to have some fun when they visit (ice cream, an occasional piece of candy, and soda -- if they wish). Is it bad that I go against her rules when they are over at our house? Could it really hurt their health?

A:
I hear your disagreement and frustration. Nutrition and health are not the issue unless the grandkids have medical conditions that require special ... Read More...

See also: relationships Q&As
Submit Your Own Question | See all Q&As

Grandparenting

Modern Grandparenting: What It Means Today

Posted September 9, 2008 4:46 PM

Super Gran isn't just a fictional character from a children's book. These days 21st century Super Grans are alive and kicking - and wielding their magical powers across the country. Post-war baby-boomers are light years away from their predecessors and have become a tour de force of their own. Today's grandparents are active and youthful. Socializing comes easy and they're in tune with their Read more...

See also: contemporary, family, grandchildren, grandparenting, relationships, today

Share Your Thoughts | Send to Friend

Grandparenting

Baby-Boomers Relish an Active Role With Grandkids

Posted September 9, 2008 3:39 PM

Sal Greco says he is his five grandchildren's "big toy." Greco, of Hampton, loves to play and do things with his grandkids: Max. 8; Sam, 6; Alex, 5; Zoe, 3; and Nico, 1 1/2. Greco, an artist, often paints in his studio with some of his grandkids, and sometimes takes them to the tennis courts with him. He takes some of the kids miniature-golfing, and just plays silly, everyday games Read more...

See also: baby-boomers, children, contemporary, grandchildren, grandma, Grandpa, grandparenting, Modern, relationships, today

Share Your Thoughts | Send to Friend

Grandparenting

More Kids Living With Grandparents

Posted September 9, 2008 2:04 PM

Knowing she isn't alone keeps Debra Hayes encouraged as she raises her grandchild, a role more and more grandparents are taking on despite putting off retirement and having to take care of their own health issues. "It was tough when she was first placed with us," she said. "Now we don't know what we would do without her." Hayes and her granddaughter, Read more...

See also: break-up, children, divorce, grandchildren, grandparent, grandparenting, relatinoships

Share Your Thoughts | Send to Friend
ThirdAge Editors

Q&A From Our Experts

Today's Expert: ThirdAge Editors
Q:

Whenever my children come to visit and bring their grandchildren, I'm saddened to see how strictly my daughter-in-law disciplines the kids. I have to really bite my tongue. I've tried talking with my son about this, but he's not very responsive. Do I ask them to not come over any more? Should I lay down my own "house rules"?

A:
Try sitting down and chatting with both your daughter-in-law and son together. Share with them that you're not comfortable with the strict discipline ... Read More...

See also: relationship Q&As
Submit Your Own Question | See all Q&As

ThirdAge Editors

Q&A From Our Experts

Today's Expert: ThirdAge Editors
Q:

I'm taking care of my grandchildren during the day as my daughter just returned to work. The situation is supposed to be temporary until they can find daycare ... but I'm finding that I love my time alone with my grandkids. I don't want to disrupt her plan, but I don't think she needs to pay for daycare when I'm having so much fun! What do you suggest I do?

A:
As a grandmother myself, I’d encourage you to tell your daughter how much you love spending time with your grandchildren. Why don’t you see if ... Read More...

See also: grandparenting Q&As
Submit Your Own Question | See all Q&As

Discussion Boards

Grandparenting III

Started by mygirls on July 23, 2008 2:00 AM

Being a grandparent is a joy. After raising our own children, we are finally relaxed and can do the things with our grandchildren that we wouldn't have dared do with our own children. We can even fill them full of sugar and send them home without any guilt! (After raising two boys, we have been blessed with four granddaughters. Going from snips and snails to sugar and spice is so much different!)

Come and share the laughter, joy and tears of your times with your grandchildren. Yes, there are tears, but lots of laughter too. Let's share with each other.

~mygirls

See all Grandparenting Discussion Boards

Legal Barriers

Legal Barriers

The estimated two million grandparent caregivers in the United States often encounter some awkward legal barriers to the ordinary exercise of the rights and responsibilities of parenting.


For instance, by a strange twist of public policy, these grandparents, many of whom are already retired, are subject to the provision of the federal welfare reform act that was intended to send welfare mothers back to work.

Back to intro

Legal Barriers

The estimated two million grandparent caregivers in the United States often encounter some awkward legal barriers to the ordinary exercise of the rights and responsibilities of parenting.


For instance, by a strange twist of public policy, these grandparents, many of whom are already retired, are subject to the provision of the federal welfare reform act that was intended to send welfare mothers back to work.

Back to intro

Find Support

Find Support

Anne Pierce is a grandmother raising her two grandsons, ages five and ten. She is the founder of Grandparents Parenting...Again, a Sonoma County, California, support group for "kinship caregivers," relatives caring for children in their homes.

Back to intro

Find Support

Anne Pierce is a grandmother raising her two grandsons, ages five and ten. She is the founder of Grandparents Parenting...Again, a Sonoma County, California, support group for "kinship caregivers," relatives caring for children in their homes.

Back to intro
12Next
Ads by Google
what's this?