Grandmothers raising grandchildren

United States
April 22, 2007 4:04am CST
Are any of you out there raising your grandchildren due to issues concerning their parents?
1 person likes this
7 responses
@irishmist (3814)
• United States
7 May 07
You might say I am raising my grandkids in a way. My daughter & 3 grandkids live with me. I babysit them at night while my daughter works. I am around them almost 24/7. I make sure baths & homework gets done. We do craft projects together. I for the most part cook all the meals in the house. I hate to say it, but even when my daughter is home I take care of all these things.
• United States
14 May 07
I have been in your position before with my daughter and grandson although my daughter was not working. Do you find it hard to balance your parenting vs. hers?
@irishmist (3814)
• United States
14 May 07
Sometimes I do find it hard, because even when my daughter is home mostly everthing falls on me. I think I need to get out of the house more when she is home, and have more me time.
• United States
16 May 07
Yes, I am raising my granddaughter alongwith my son-in-law because my daughter has passed away, and I find it a soul-satisfying job.
• United States
16 May 07
I find it gratifying but hard especially when accustomed to having older children.
@cripfemme (7698)
• United States
14 May 07
I DON'T want my parent raising my kids ever (should they ever exist). I rather have my friends or my cousins raise them, since they are probably going to be disabled; I plan to adopt them that way and teach them to be independent people and hopefully social changemakemakers (and my parents house isn't accessible, doesn't look luckily to become such- in spite of me using a wheelchair for my whole life). And Penbrook, Pennsylvania just isn't the best place to raise a disabled person with good independence skills. Just my thoughts!
• United States
14 May 07
Thank you for your thoughts and you sound like you will be the kind of mother we need in the world.
• United Arab Emirates
22 Apr 07
I am not raising a grandchild but my parents are raising my 2 kids. Who could be the best surrogate parents in the absence of the parents but the grandparents...They are the one who could nurture and could give unconditional love to your kids especially in the case of my special baby. FYI me and my husband left our kids for financial obligations because we have to support our baby's expensive medication...Parents should not leave their kids to the custody of others even to their grandparents if you have no valid and acceptable reason.
• United States
19 May 07
her reasons are valid but it is never acceptable to watch your child suffer.
• United States
27 Apr 07
I'm sorry I just joined , just wondering are you complaining? Don't get me wrong. My daughter is 26 her /my babies are 7 &5 differant state no money you know the story. here's the sad part, my mother who is 73 and just lost her (husband of 50+ years) is lucky enough or unlucky depending on who you are or how you feel about grandbabies.see's and has spent more time with my grandbabies than I have or can ever make up to them. My daughter is Air national guard and is gone alot. My mom is 3 hrs away and I am at least 18. My mom did raise my brother's kids. I'm just wondering are you raising your's? My thought is this I want to give back to my kids What MY Mom did,tried to do,maneged to do, anyway I can be there for them like my parents were for me.So since I can't my mom will. THUS the word GRANDPARENT
• United States
14 May 07
I am not complaining just looking for support from those in my position. However, parenting your grandchildren is very different than being a grandmother. There are a lot of emotional issuses to deal with on both my grandson's part and mine. My daughter is mentally ill and incapable of taking care of him. It is difficult for all of us, although there are great benefits as well.
@beckyjo (16)
• United States
8 May 07
I'm raising one of my grandsons. His dad is just not able to cope with full time fatherhood. His mother was mostly out of the picture by the time he was a few weeks old. I've either been babysitting him daily or having him live with me his whole life. It's not always easy to keep up with a 4 year old, and sometimes I'd really like to have my life back, but on the other hand, I can't imagine being without him. I call him "my heart on 2 legs".
• United States
14 May 07
I know what you are saying. There are times I wonder how I got myself into this and wish for a couple of days alone. I know I could not live with any other decision. He is a huge gift. (and 4 also)
• United Arab Emirates
22 Apr 07
I am not raising a grandchild but my parents are raising my 2 kids. Who could be the best surrogate parents in the absence of the parents but the grandparents...They are the one who could nurture and could give unconditional love to your kids especially in the case of my special baby. FYI me and my husband left our kids for financial obligations because we have to support our baby's expensive medication...Parents should not leave their kids to the custody of others even to their grandparents if you have no valid and acceptable reason.
• United States
23 Apr 07
My daughter has severe mental health issues so he is better off with me at the moment. I hope your baby is doing well.