My husband and I are a part of a growing trend in America. We are grandparents taking on the role of primary caregivers for our grandson.
My daughter is a rising junior in college and since school is located out of town, we have agreed to raise him in her absence. We are among nearly 6 million grandparents who have grandchildren living with them. and
Here are more numbers from the Census Bureau about grandparent caregivers:
4-out-of-10 grandparents are responsible for the youngsters basic care.
5.8 million, the number of grandparents who live with one or more of their grandchildren under 18 years old.
4 percent, the percentage of people age 30 and older who live with grandchildren. The rate is 8 percent among blacks and Hispanics.
2.5 million, the number of grandparents responsible for most of the basic needs, such as clothing, food and shelter, of one or more grandchildren with which they live.
21 percent, the percentage of preschoolers who are cared for primarily by their grandparents while their mother is employed or in school.
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7 comments:
All I can say is that I admire you for the way you have handled this. Jarod is a lucky child to have you as his grandmother. So many of these young mothers will never have the advantage of furthering their education, and yours is nearly finished with college.
But when your daughter graduates, you will hopefully just go to being in a more traditional grandparenting role. Kudos to you both for helping your daughter create an independent life.
Pam,
Trust me when I tell you, it isn't easy. I think when you read my latest book, you'll get more of a glimpse of my feelings about all of this and the hurt and anger I still feel sometimes.
But I know in my heart of hearts, I am doing what I'm supposed to be doing. God would not have placed this on our lives without a reason and resources.
I know it can't be easy but I agree with you that there's a rhyme and reason for things and you are no doubt serving an invaluable role in the development of your grandson.
Bev, there's that ol' saying that God doesn't put anything in our path He knows we can't handle. You're one of the most driven, dedicated emotionally strong women I'm blessed to know. We don't always love what path our lives take--but we're able to love that which comes up within those paths. You are, of course, doing the right thing--& you love your daughter & grandson, & God knows you can handle it. That doesn't mean you won't wanna yell & scream sometimes--& when you do, you know your Diva sisters are here to listen. ; >
Three years later...... :)
It wasn't easy by any stretch of the imagination but I am glad I was able to have some influence in his life early on. I pray it will make a tremendous difference in his life as he grows up.
By the way, I just saw this :) FOR REAL!
Three years later for you too...... :)
I appreciate the support I have received over the years while Nate and I were the primary caregivers. Sometimes I feel like we still are even though Janie is graduated. He has been a blessing in so many ways.
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