Grandparents today are raising their grandchildren.

It is said in the United States today about 8% of grandparents are raising their own grandchildren. Problems such as family violence, sexual, or pysical abuse, unemployment, teen pregnancy, incarceration, or possible substance abuse can cause these grandparents taking on the parental role.

Taking on the parenting role brings on new challanges. The grandparent may feel more overwhemled, stressed out due to growing health concerns of their own. Housing issues can become hard to deal with. The loss of retirement plans, and social activities become limited.

Money issues become apparent. The children have clothing needs, food costs go up, the grandparents may need to go through and use their savings up to get the childrens basic needs met.

The emotional toll ranges from fear, anger exhaustion, resentment, greif, joy and thankfulness. There are goverment programs that can help. The link Benefits Check Up below can help.

http://www.benefitscheckup.org/

This website will guide you through a process whether programs are available to you. Take care of your own health first and foremost. Get help from relatives, support groups and friends. Day care is another option if you can afford it.