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Kids' Health

Today more than 4 million children across the United States are being raised by their grandparents, and even more grandparents provide daily child care while parents work. An estimated 2.5 million families are headed by grandparents as a result of the parents' death, drug use, imprisonment, illness or abandonment. In addition, more and more grandparents are taking an active role in helping their adult children raise the next generation.

These "skipped-generation" families are increasingly prominent in East Tennessee. This region has one of the largest populations in the country of grandparents raising their grandchildren on a permanent basis, and the biggest areas of need for these "repeat parents" are resources and the ability to relate to other grandparents in the same situation.

Grand News a quarterly newsletter for grandparents contains information on grandparenting resources and advice from experts at Children's Hospital. To subscribe to Grand News, please call (865) 541-8166 or complete our feedback form.

Here are some tips and information regarding being active in your grandchild's life.

12 terrific tips for Grandparents
Just for Teachers
Family Activities
Suggested Reading



Six tips for long-distance grandparenting (adapted from AARP)

Use these tips to create a positive, healthy relationship between grandparent and grandchild.

1. Take the initiative in making yourself available to your grandchildren.

2. When your grandchildren are small, keep your image alive between visits by sending videotaped messages and pictures frequently.

3. Budget regularly for long-distance phone calls and trips to visit your grandchildren.

4. Offer to baby-sit for a weekend so that your adult children can have a short vacation.

5. Keep a record of special events in your grandchildren's lives -- not only birthdays, but also school activities, sports and anything that is important to them.

6. When your grandchildren are older, let them know they can always call you -- and reverse the charges -- if they want to talk.

Resources:

www.baptistoneword.org
www.aarp.org
www.grandparenting.org

 

We invite your comments and questions. Please complete our comment form or visit our Phone Numbers page for departmental telephone listings.


Reviewed 3-17-07