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Grandparents have always been a vital part
of the family. Not only are they family historians, they are often a parent's first
contact when it comes to child-rearing advice or babysitting needs. A grandparent is also
a grandchild's best friend--sharing adventures, secrets and stories--and giving gifts
simply for the fun of it. This is the role grandparents seem to enjoy most. There are many
grandparents, however, who find themselves in a new role that is perhaps more vital than
ever before--the role of raising their grandchildren.
In Illinois, as well
as the rest of the nation, grandparents in record numbers are courageously taking on
this responsibility due to unforeseen circumstances. Reasons may relate to parental drug
and alcohol abuse, abandonment, incarceration, mental illness, unemployment, divorce,
death and a host of others. Whatever the case, grandparents who are facing the challenge
of raising grandchildren are found in every social, racial, geographic and economic
stratum.
While individual
grandparent needs and caregiving situations vary, there seems to be a universal need for
resource information. Some grandparents need help with legal and financial matters or want
to know more about schools and day care. Others need help dealing with the emotional ups
and downs of parenting the second time around.
This guide will
hopefully offer some starting points for grandparent caregivers who need a helping hand.
Their journey is not an easy one, but they should take great pride and comfort in knowing
they have become "silent saviours" to their beloved grandchildren.
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