Grandparents as Second
Generation Parents by Mrs. Dorothy Barron
Many
grandparents have the responsibility of caregiver to a second generation of young
people – their grandchildren. Many have assumed the entire responsibility of
raising their children’s children. There
are advantages as well as some barriers for many grandparents.
We want to
list on today a few of those barriers in an effort to make others cognizant and
attuned to certain needs a good number of grandparents. Most grandparents have
much experience and knowledge of which they can offer, yet some barriers faced consist
of:
·
Age
·
Lack
formal education
·
Health
issues and concerns
·
Not
prepared to assume full responsibility of caring for or raising grandchildren
·
Lack
of support
·
Both
grandparent(s) and child/ren may be experiencing or going through a traumatic
period
As a
grandparent, should you find yourself in need of assistance or support, first
determine the type of support of which you are in need and/or in what
particular area(s).
You may want
to make inquiries of the following for resources or a listing of resources:
·
Your
grandchild/ren’s school
·
Grandparent
and senior organizations
·
Children’s
organizations and clubs
·
Some
social services agencies
·
You
and/or your grandchild’s physician and/or healthcare network
·
If
your family has access to a computer and there is a need for homework assistance,
there are many wonderful educational sites available online. Parents Taking Charge in Education has listed
a number of them in various blog posts.
Thanks to grandparents who have been instrumental in
assisting and/or are in the process of raising their grandchild/ren.
Mrs. Dorothy Barron, Founder
Parents Taking Charge in Education http://mrsdbarron.blogspot.com
E-mail: barron.dorothy@yahoo.com
