Grandparents are being called upon to take over parenting responsibilities of their children’s kids. When parents have sent the last child out in to the world, they are often looking forward to making changes in their lives. Perhaps they are getting ready to retire or just downsize their home. Travel and new experiences could be on the agenda. The job of raising kids at a senior age is generally not in the plans.
Reasons
There are several reasons why grandparents are given this responsibility. Perhaps the parents do not have enough money to feed their children. The parents could be getting a divorce. One of the parents could have an impairment such as an accident, disability, a drug or alcohol problem.
Changes in Lifestyle
The grandparents will have to set up a new routine in life. They have to make room in their home, and increase their spending for clothes, food and incidentals that children need. They will also have to deal with the emotional and mental stress brought on by adding people to their household. If the children are young, daily supervision will be necessary.
Solutions
Planning ahead with comfortable spaces for the children will be helpful. Setting up rules and regulations. The kids have to learn to clean up after themselves, appreciate their new environment by not making unrealistic demands. Lots of communication between children and grandparents will help make the transition easier. Daily issues need immediate resolutions. Though this situation is generally not by choice with some modifications and compromises it can work out.