Parenting Your Grandchildren

Parenting your grandchildren is never something a parent is planning for, but 10 percent of all grandparents are raising grandchildren. So you are not alone. Even if you have suspicions early in your child’s ability to parent his or her own children effectively and safely, if and when the need actually presents itself to you, it may be sudden and unexpected. But this does not mean it is a tragedy. In the cycle of life for everyone, there are unconventional situations and challenges to be confronted and dealt with. This is true of all of us, especially those of us who are parents. And although parenting your grandchildren is not the norm, and growing up without their birth parents is an enormous loss for them, it can also be a great blessing for all of you in the end. Parenting your grandchildren gives them and you the opportunity to keep family together. Parenting your grandchildren keeps you young. And parenting your grandchildren actually gives you a chance to perhaps make some different choices for them than you did for your children.

Parenting your grandchildren may just be a temporary opportunity for you while your child is getting things organized to have your grandchildren back with them again full time. Sometimes this happens if your child is having health problems, substance abuse problems or legal problems. Parenting your grandchildren at these times is of great importance because your child and your grandchildren are in crisis.

Another reason you might find yourself parenting your grandchildren is during their summer vacations. This was a very common practice in earlier times and in many cultures where extended family is the way of life. If you are fortunate and live in an area that is conducive to summer fun and real life experiences like farming or gardening then parenting your grandchildren for a couple of months a year will be fun and educational for them and rewarding for you. If you have the funds, parenting your grandchildren for a couple of months might involve international travel. Although these summer sessions may be regular and your grandchildren won’t actually see you as parents, you will still be in a position of control and influence and will have responsibility for this extended period so you will actually be parenting your grandchildren.

If you find yourself parenting your grandchildren, you will most likely fall easily into the role. You already know and love them and visa versa and you have already parented your own child so you are an experienced parent and with age, you have become wiser and know yourself better, so parenting your grandchildren although not expected could be welcomed and the outcome for everyone will hopefully, be wonderful.

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