As a grandparent raising a grandchild, you may feel very rewarded. You may also feel emotional and physical stress sometimes.
Tips to remain a healthy caregiver to your grandchildren:
- Pay attention to your own health. Eat healthy, exercise regularly, and find positive ways to manage your stress.
- If you need to take a break from parenting, look for help. Ask other family members, friends, or a support group to help you.
- Look for support by reaching out to other grandparents raising grandkids, adult education programs at community colleges, or local faith-based programs.
- Keep a routine with your grandchildren. Practice positive discipline, set limits, and let your grandchildren know that you love them.
- Enjoy your time with your grandchildren and stay as positive as you can.
To communicate with your grandchildren about their parents:
- Avoid telling them too much. Your grandchildren may be too young to understand the whole story. Too much information can be confusing, scary, or overwhelming.
- Avoid telling them too little or nothing at all. Even at a young age, children can pick up on pieces of the story. Give them some information, so they feel comfortable asking questions.
- Never twist the truth or tell lies. This may cause confusion and hurt. Be honest, keeping in mind your grandchild’s developmental level.
- Never speak badly about your grandchildren’s parents in front of them, no matter what. They need to feel as good about their parents as possible, in order to feel good about themselves.
Be sure not to put children in the middle of any disagreements between you and their parents.