The Joy and Wisdom of Grandparenting
BY DONNA M. BUTTS Today, in the United States, more than 2.4 million children live in grandfamilies in the care of grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings or close family friends. In her new book, Grandfamilies: Stories of Children and the Loving Relatives Who Raise Them, Donna Butts, former longtime executive director of Generations United, sheds light … Read more
BY DONNA M. BUTTS Today, in the United States, more than 2.4 million children live in grandfamilies in the care of grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings or close family friends. In her new book, Grandfamilies: Stories of Children and the Loving Relatives Who Raise Them, Donna Butts, former longtime executive director of Generations United, sheds light … Read more
BY DONNA M. BUTTS Today, in the United States, more than 2.4 million children live in grandfamilies in the care of grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings or close family friends. In her new book, Grandfamilies: Stories of Children and the Loving Relatives Who Raise Them, Donna Butts, former longtime executive director of Generations United, sheds light … Read more
BY JAIA LENT As a parent and grandparent, Bette Hoxie knows the value of vaccines. Reflecting back to her early years, Bette recalls: I remember early in 1970 when there was an outbreak of German measles (Rubella) in the small community where I resided. Ironically, on this particular day, I was taking my two children … Read more
Grandfamilies, households in which grandparents raise their grandchildren, now number 2.5 million in the United States. Many of those grandparents are in their 50s, 60s, or early 70s, balancing active lifestyles with age-related health goals. This guide delivers confidence for daytime adventures and comfort for peaceful evenings. You’ll find checklists and calming routines so you … Read more
BY JAIA LENT “One thing that would make life better for grandfamilies and kin caregivers right now is access to consistent financial, emotional, and practical support, especially for supervised visits, mental health services, and daily living expenses. Many of us step in suddenly to care for children and shoulder all the costs, yet we are … Read more
Grandparents raising grandchildren – raising your grand voice BY ROBYN WIND As more grandparents step into the role of primary caregivers for their grandchildren, they face unique challenges that often go unrecognized by lawmakers and the public. Across the U.S. about 2.5 million children are raised by grandparents or other relatives without the child’s parents … Read more
Do you want to make sure that your elderly relative is cared for and looked after? If so, then there are a few things you can do to try and make sure that you are giving them the help and support they need. Create a Safe Environment First, you need to try and remove … Read more
Supporting Grandfamilies to Support Their Children’s Education BY JAIA LENT as told to her by Charlye Hahn, Kinship CoordinatorSouthwest Idaho Area Agency on Aging Charlye and Bob were no strangers to grandparenting when their lives took a surprise turn. “My husband, Bob, and I began our journey in 2001 when my twin great niece and … Read more
Shining a light: Supporting BIPOC grandfamilies and kinship families’ mental health BY JAMARL D. CLARK Grandparents, your wisdom and unwavering love lay the foundation for strong families and thriving communities. You understand the deep impact of being truly seen and valued, knowing these connections are essential for your mental health and overall well-being. Imagine, then, … Read more
New beginnings for grandparents raising grandchildren BY JAIA LENT, VICTORIA GRAY, LAURIE TAPOZADA, AND BERNADINE ATCHINSON Regardless of the grandparent’s age or how long they end up caring for the child when their grandbabies come into their care full-time, it is often unexpected and overwhelming. New Beginnings! To many this phrase resonates as a time … Read more
5 Tips for Grandfamilies Facing Mental Health Concerns BY JAIA LENT The U.S. is in a state of mental health emergency in child and adolescent mental health, and a national mental health crisis for Americans of all ages. However, there is one type of family that is particularly vulnerable to mental health concerns: grandfamilies. Grandfamilies, … Read more
The Grandparent Advantage BY ADINA WAMBUA When AnneMarie White was a child, she learned to speak Spanish before learning English at school. Her grandfather was from Spain. Her grandmother, a member of the Cherokee tribe, anchored her to her Native roots by teaching her about her Native culture and heritage. Her grandparents instilled in her … Read more
The grandparent advantage BY ADINA WAMBUA When AnneMarie White was a child, she learned to speak Spanish before learning English at school. Her grandfather was from Spain. Her grandmother, a member of the Cherokee tribe, anchored her to her Native roots by teaching her about her Native culture and heritage. Her grandparents instilled in her … Read more
