Grandmothers Caring for Grandchildren

As a grandma, I have a tremendous amount of respect for women that do that. I am fortunate enough to be able to send my grandchildren home but I can imagine how tired you must be working full time and being a caregiver. You will be blessed and that little one will be so close to you. You need to find someone to give you a break occassionally. Maybe a teenager down the street or something. You can give her a few bucks and she can play with her while you do things. You will be around to supervise but she won't be underfoot all the time. As your helper becomes someone you trust, maybe you can leave her with your granddaughter to go shopping or to dinner with friends, that way you won't feel like you can't do ANYTHING!!!! You and your daughter might check into the Big Sisters program. I know there is a waiting list for Big Brothers but even if you put her on the list or if she isn't old enough yet you know what needs to be done and can do it when she reaches that age you will be one step ahead.
You are building your crown in heaven for sure. Keep smiling and loving.
C.

Your request caught my attention. My 68 year old mother has full custody and is taking care of my brother's kids, both boys, ages 18 and 13. She has had them for about 8 years while taking care of my brother until he died a few years ago. The mother abandoned them when they were very young, so she has never really been a part of their life.

My mother would do it again in a heartbeat. My brother had diabetes and was very sick, so he was unable to care for the boys by himself. We all have pitched in and helped her through the years, I guess you could say we have raised them too. But my mother has been there 24/7. She gets all the credit, no doubt. It has taken a toll on her health, but at the same time, I think it has motivated her and kept her going. She has made many sacrafices on many levels, but if you ask her, she has not sacrificed anything if it meant giving her grandchildren a stable and loving home and a chance at life.

I'm ready to take over whenever she's ready, but I don't think that will happen as long as she's alive. I just hope that any grandchild that is being raised by a grandparent realizes at some point in his or her life how very blessed they are that this person loved them so much to do this for them. At the same time, any grandparent that will do this has a special place in heaven.

You are doing a wonderful thing. Merry Christmas to you and yours.

I haven't walked in your shoes but my aunt has. Your daughter and granddaughter are very blessed to have them in their lives. My aunt struggled a lot. She worked also and took care of four of her grandchildren 10,8,6,4 and myself. Very hard situation but she made it. My cousin finally has "come to her senses" and she now is taking control of her life and her children by the graces of GOD. I'm wishing you and your family the very best. Remember GOD has a plan for everything that happens in our lives. If you need an ear write me. I know sometimes it's easier talking in writing w/ other people.
Take Care and God Bless,
Leticia G.

My mom is taking care of my daughter full time. I'm in Iraq in the Marine Corps and she is doing me this huge favor. I know it's a little bit of a different situation, but I really appreciate it. My mom is a very busy person. She has a full time job, and 2 of her own businesses. My mom and dad are also very involved in the church so on top of this she has my daughter. I really admire her for doing what she's doing and all grandma's that take on that responsibility.

Hi G.. I am not in your shoes, but my mother is. She does this for my brother's kids. One of my brothers and his daughter live with her and the other just drops off his son and she has him until whenever usually...it breaks my heart to see this but, what can I do? Anytime she watches my son, I always ask first and then pay her as I would any babysitter. Your situation may be different from what she is going through but, I'm sure it's just as difficult. The girl is 13 and the boy is 16, so they are older, but it has been this way for quite some time. I just offer any support I can and lend an ear whenever she needs it.

Wow, I hope your daughter appreciates what you do. My mother also volunteered to keep my son but I insisted on paying her. It made me feel better when I had to address some issue as a new mom and also made the parameters clear for both of us. For example, calling when I would be late, and only used her when I was at work, etc. Even though my mom would spend the money on Gabriel when they went to lunch or to Walmart or whatever, I made sure that I brought food and his milk and snacks. Grandma still needs to be taken care of so that Grandma doesn't get taken advantage of. I gave my mom $50 per week and figured that it would be easier to transition to paying real daycare when the time came.

I have 8 grandchildren 3 live with me 2 guardianship 1 adoption. ages 3,2 and 1 month no your not alone

I also take care of my grandson,he and his mother have lived with us sense she knew she was pregnant.Just at the time of our life { my husband & I } should be able relax alittle,boom, another one to help raise..................sigh....we would'nt trade him for anything, he's our heart, but we're tired......does that make sense?? =)Ifind alot of grandparents are in the same situation as we are.