No matter how much you appreciate and love your children’s kids, raising them often comes with many rewards and challenges. Whatever the reasons that made it impossible for their parents to maintain an active role, your presence offers the children the much-needed sense of stability and continuity. Here are tips to help you raise your children’s kids.
Embrace the new reality
Parenting again might not have been your priority when spending your senior years. However, life often has a unique way of taking many unexpected turns. Your choice is either to resent it or embrace it and find joy in these turns. Your grandkids can keep you young and offer you the opportunity to share in their interests and passions. Isn’t that an exciting life?
Seek out information and support
Even if you don’t like support groups, it’s essential to connect with other people who already understand what you are experiencing. So, please find out about in-person or online support groups for people raising their children’s kids in your area, and you find a lot of information and support you need to raise your grandkids successfully.
Take care of yourself.
Even when you look ten years younger, you’re still older than an average parent. So, take the right steps to take care of your health. For example, you must eat a balanced diet and get enough sleep. Also, you should exercise (whenever possible), and you will feel better and be able to keep up with the kids.
Don’t ignore your mental health.
Most grandparents raising their grandkids often experience depression and anxiety due to the extra stress. To stay healthy mentally, it’s recommended to reach out for support. There are many social service agencies providing grandparent support groups. These information and support groups can be helpful if you’re feeling anxious about raising your grandkids.
Times have changed – embrace this fact.
The acceptable ways of disciplining children may have changed since the last time you were parenting. Other aspects of parenting may have changed too. Whenever in doubt, consult with young parents or school guidance counselor for support and information.
Find resources
Some grand-families are disproportionally at or even under the poverty line. Perhaps your financial resources were okay when you were taking care of yourself. However, the kids you raise need shoes, clothes, and school supplies. They might need more doctor visits than you, and they must eat. Therefore, figure out your resources and ensure that you have enough resources to raise them.
Wrap up
Life may not be easy for people raising their children’s kids. However, you can always do the best you can to provide them with warmth, love, and support. Remember, honesty is the foundation of a healthy relationship with your grandkids, and you must provide proper discipline and guidance.