Raising Our Children's Children

at 11:55AM, 1:55PM, and 3:55PM

The excitement of looking forward to retirement, relaxation, and maybe picking up a new hobby - gets turned inside out when grandparents become parents. Whether it’s a death, illness, or institutionalization of a guardian, re-becoming a parent to grandchildren is a very difficult challenge to face. Suzanne talks with Sylvie de Toledo author of "Grandparents as Parents" and leader of the support group of the same name for grandparents who have taken over as full time guardians for their grandchildren.
 
Toledo says, that grandparents who relive this lifestyle deal with a set of kids that may have academic, psychological and medical issues. Her support group acknowledges that this is something many grandparents are not prepared to face especially if they must return to the work place.
 
Things become more complex when parents who are institutionalized try and reacquire their children. Usually, this occurs after children adjust to their new living situation. It can be hard on the child and the grandparent when it comes time for them to return to their birth parents. On the other end there are emotional challenges when six months turns into six years and the children are left disappointed by their parent's empty promises.
 
Upon the parents return, Sylvia suggests that an outside source be reached consulted. Both a counselor and an attorney can be useful in making a smooth transition for custody matters and it is crucial that both sides hear each other out. Sylvia applauds all grandparents out there being parents again because ultimately their lives are being put on hold in order to help these children.