- Short term respite care. Full-time grandparents need to take a break from the kids now and then.
- Availability of affordable support groups and/or counseling services.
- Telephone hot lines.
- Free or affordable legal and financial advice.
- More money.
- Health insurance for the grandchildren.
- Good communication skills.
- Parenting education to update their knowledge of taking care of children. Some of the basics have changed.
- Awareness of what type of help and services are available to them in their local community. AARP's Benefits QuickLINK is a way to start gathering this information.
What Grandparents Need While Raising Grandkids Raising Grandchildren
By Sheri & Bob Stritof, About.com Guide
When grandparents take on the responsibility of raising their grandchildren, they need more than love. Here are some needs of full-time grandparents.
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