- 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.
Article Contents
Suggested Reading
Elsewhere on the Web
Explore Marriage
Must Reads
About.com Special Features
Holiday Central
What to eat, where to go, fun things to do and how to save money on the perfect gifts. More >
What Does Your Surname Mean?
Your last name may reveal a compelling story about your family history. More >
©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.
All rights reserved.