Grandparenting

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

Are you a grandparent raising grandchildren? Are you finding the responsibility and all the subsequent changes in your life challenging - and sometimes overwhelming? If so, read on.

You are not alone. More than 57,000 grandparents across Canada are raising their grandchildren (Statistics Canada, 2001 Census). And the number is rising. There may be many reasons why you have taken on this role, but all of them mean that somehow, the natural parents are unable to care for their children. You are now doing their job - full-time.

This is also a good place to say that it is not only grandparents actually raising grandchildren who might feel they need some support. If you are a grandparent actively involved with your grandchildren's upbringing - by providing day-care or giving other kinds of help - you will find some of the following information helpful to you too.

Click here to go directly to my Grandparenting Resources.

Mixed emotions

Striking a balance

Finding help

Grandparents providing day-care or other kinds of help

Your next step

Grandparent resources

"I really didn't think I would be able to 'restart' my life in my 50's and find it so rewarding. Through talking with you, I realized I could make healthy choices for myself and that it is never too late to change."