A Sad Statistic
2.7 Million Grandparents
One sad statistic is that about one-third of the 2.7 million Grandparent households that are raising their Grandkids are below the poverty line, which is less than $25,000.00 annually for a family of three. These statistics touch all racial and ethnic lines. Just like the drug addiction issue, this is an equal misery crisis for these folks and their Grandchildren, both economically and emotionally.
The sad thing is that most times when Grandparents become parents again, it is for more than one Grandchild. For those in the bottom one third economically it presents a further challenge. At that level, food insecurity is added to the already tremendous burden of their retirement life.
"Heroes are ordinary people who make themselves extraordinary."
I don’t think the term Hero is hyperbole when it comes to those willing to put their lives on hold to rescue these vulnerable souls in a time of crisis.
The good news is that these Heroes don’t have to go it alone. There are more and more programs, agencies, and general support available now than at any time before.
Family Therapy
Family therapy can help individuals and families cope with their feelings about their family situation, resolve problems, and improve the quality of their relationships. Family therapists are specially trained to understand the complicated feelings and relationships experienced by grandparents and their grandchildren. If you feel that your family could benefit from family therapy, seek a therapist who has experience working with grandparents raising grandchildren.
Support Groups
Many communities offer support groups for grandparents raising grandchildren. Although most of these support groups are for grandparents, some groups are also available for grandchildren. Support groups provide participants with an opportunity to talk about their experiences and feelings in a safe, supportive environment. Participants can also gain information about local resources, learn from one another, and meet people dealing with similar issues.
Good support groups allow time for personal sharing, but also take a positive outlook, structure sharing time, connect participants to sources of support, and help participants to set and reach goals. To find a support group near you, visit the websites of the organizations listed under “Resources” or contact a trusted professional in your area. Online support communities are also available, though you would want to carefully assess their quality.
Other Services
Grandparents raising grandchildren may be eligible for a variety of other services and support including financial assistance, food and nutrition programs, free or low-cost medical care, respite care, and housing assistance, among others. To learn more about these services, consult or ask a trusted professional such as a caseworker, clergy, school counselor, or health care provider.