A Making Lemonade Tidbit--Grandparents become Parents to their Grandchildren

When Grandparents Become Parents to Their Grandchildren

Several factors come to the surface.
The American Association of Retired Persons reports a 17 percent jump in the number of children cared for in grandparent-only households in one year -- 1992 to 1993. This is contrasted with a gradual 6 percent rise over the prior 22 years. The Census Bureau figures that 3.4 million children are raised by grandparents or other relatives. And, 44 percent of the nation's grandparents spend 100 or more hours a year taking care of grandkids.

Attitude Adjustment. Grandparents usually anticipate later life as a time to enjoy the privileges of grandchildren without the responsibilities. It may take some effort to adjust to the new role of caretaker, and it may mean many adjustments in life planning, from finances to career changes to location and lifestyle changes