SURROGATE PARENTING
A growing number of families across the country, regardless of income, background or race are assuming the challenging responsibility of raising their grandchildren. They did not expect to be parents again and often need help with legal, financial, medical, educational and emotional issues that come with this new role. It is not unusual for grandparents to feel overwhelmed, lonely, tired, and at a loss in dealing with their role as a full-time caregiver to their grandchildren. It is not unusual for the grandchildren to feel frightened, abandoned, ashamed or angry. Together they can help each other.
As a “full time” grandparent think through what you want to do, what you can do and what you must do. Remember to take care of yourself. Your health and well being are critical to the health and well being of your grandchild/ren. Help is available. To get help, you must work with the schools, the child welfare system and the legal system. Be aware that most agencies are not set up to recognize grandparents who are raising their grandchildren. When seeking help, insist that people in authority listen to you about your needs and those of your grandchildren. Get help from family members, friends and groups such as the Naples Alliance for Children.- The NAFC offers grandparents and other relatives who are surrogate parents mutual support and information on parenting and legal issues, working with schools, and government and community resources that can assist grandparents and other surrogate parents.
- A support group will be formed with a minimum of 12 participants.
- Please visit our Resource Directory for more information, help, suggestions and tips. Use the Directory Table of Contents Link and click on the topic for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren. Topics included are: “to do” lists, children and family service providers, schooling, child care, after-school programs, health/safety, financial issues, legal issues, psychological/emotional issues, stress busters and business community programs.
For more information and to be included on the mailing list e-mail or call:
NAFC, 239-649-5260.
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