Retirement News : Seniors : Seniors back to raising children

Seniors back to raising children

Date Added: 21-04-2005

In many cultures, grandparents are active participants in raising grandchildren.
But being a "participant" and "raising" grandchildren are two different scenarios.

The issues grandparents experience while raising their children's children are unique. Average-aged parents oftentimes have support from peers who are also dealing with the "Terrible Twos," teething, teenage door-slamming and potty training. But grandparents tend to lack that peer support.

That is why Sandy Weiss founded Yolo County Grandparents Raising Grandchildren.

"There are over 1,200 grandparent families in Yolo County, and our goal is to try to maintain contact with as many of them as we can," Weiss said. "Also, in spite of our name, we are open to all people ­ not just grandparents ­ who are raising the children of relatives."

The group conducts regular activities, such as a "Grandparents Night Out" dinner every other month in local restaurants. The group also conducts special events for the whole family in the intervening months such as snow trips, concerts and potluck suppers.

"We have funds donated by local organizations that can be used to pay for child care so that grandparents may have an opportunity for respite," Weiss said. "That can include any activity in which the grandparents wish to participate ­ dinners out, classes, movies, etc."

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren also sends out monthly newsletters.

"That brings grandparents information about our activities, legislation, court decisions, insurance tips, school information, conferences and workshops," Weiss said. "We also include suggestions for activities for children and teenagers."

Each June, the group takes a camping trip to Lake Francis, and they get together for a River Cats game in the summer.

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http://www.dailydemocrat.com/Stories/0,1413,136~32730~2826561,00.html