What happens when grandparents raising grandchildren can't do it anymore?

Over 2.7 million grandparents are raising their grandchildren today. Approximately 45% of grandparents who are maintaining a household to support their grandchildren are over the age of 55. Most grandparents raising grandchildren, are finding that it is increasingly difficult to maintain the energy required to care for little ons ho are so active. Raising a grandchild is not for the faint of heart. The amount of stress that grandparents experience are enormous and most are also at increased risk of deppression and anxiety.

About 49% of grandparents raising grandkids are living below the poverty line. Having to stretch what little resources they have without much help from county or state programs are causing grandparents to question if they are the best person to raise their grandchildren. Grandparents often feel guilty that they are entertaining thoughts of NOT raising their grandkids. In the end grandparents often continue caring for their grandchildren at significant risk to their own mental health and dwindling resources.

Because grandparents have chosen to raise their on grandchildren and keep them out of the foster care sytem, they are saving approximately $6 billion a year for the foster care system. Wouldn't it be nice if some of that money is directed to grandparents who are raising grandchildren?

Hasnah Pearce (Gammi)

Supporting Grandparents raising Grandchildren - Administration for Community Living ( Resources for Grandparents)

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[donnaturpin]

Im 57 and am raising my 19 mo old grandaughter. Thank God her daddy is a great help. But he is 22 yrs old. I NEED PRAYER!

[Thisblendedhomestead]

This is exactly what I needed to hear today, as I am feeling completely overwhelmed raising my 18-month-old grandson. Hopefully, things will start to get better soon because I know that I am doing what is best for him during this time.

[milaadams]

I am so glad I came upon this I've been taking care of my granddaughter for the past 5 months I have six cats a horse a farmhouse I never imagined I would be more exhausted in my life I have no help friends that said they would help you got to pay them for a couple hours so you can get your haircut a friend that says let me know if you need anything you never hear from them again which I understand nobody wants to deal with kids if it's not their own kin unfortunately I am coming to the realization that am I the right person for my granddaughter am I going to be able to give her all that she needs it's just her and I the decisions that my daughter has made and the effect on her children has absolutely caused severe depression anxiety in my life which I'm sure at times is reflecting with my five-year-old granddaughter I love her more than anything in the world but I need to come to the truth and realization am I going to be able to do this I'm 61 and I have nothing for retirement what little money I had saved is gone I take it day by day so I understand the loneliness lack of support especially living in another state with no family members soon I will need to make the decision if I am going to keep her long-term and I just don't know what I'm going to do keep us in your prayers I need all the positive thoughts and prayers sent our way.

[nataliehessler]

My granddaughter moved in with her 3 great grandchildren. We are on month 5. It has been a hardship. Financially & emotionally. The great grandchildren are in need in of stability. We are torn by the situation. No other grandparent is coming forward to help . I have cried more tears than I can say . I don’t see an end .

[karliann]

I lost the old life I had for this baby but I wouldn't have it any other way. The love I have for this baby is next level

[babyblue]

I remember when my dad was a young dad, we were always doing things together, he’d run with me, and we’d go on great adventures. Then he was an old man and had a quieter life, although he was still dad, roles changed. This is not about my dad, cause he wasn’t stuffy. You can become more stuffy about kids, it’s as predictable as a few grey hairs, it’s to do with the body and brain slowing down. I find it sad that we have to change and can’t remain young forever.

[getmoving]

My husband and I are raising our grandson, we got him when he was 3 weeks old and he will be turning 3 in a couple months. we feel we are cheating him out of not having younger parents that can do way more than we can My husband is disabled, also we feel he needs siblings to grow up with, he only has us. thank you for this video it has been very helpful!

[prettylyricsmarie]

I think there are a few options. Adoption with a younger more financially able family. Not being a grandparent raising a grandchild or grandchildren. The grandparent or grandparents admitting he or she, or they can't do it, and should have not offered or volunteered for it. There are many options out there, just have to look and decide what works.

[francespicazo]

I married a man who wants his grandsons over all the time and I can't do it 😢 not as many days as he wants. And the inability for his daughter to take care of her own children. The time with my husband is always interrupted by the results of this

[Holli_Sassafras]

You just keep doing it. My grandparents thought they were free and clear with all the kids out of the house. Then they were faced with raising newborn me and two toddlers still in diapers. Now I’m looking at the possibility of being tasked with raising my grand nephew rather than allowing him to go into the system hinterland. Can’t do it anymore? You just do it. As long as you have your health you just do it. They aren’t puppies you can regime on Facebook.

[patriciamartin]

Sorry. I was asked to raise my grandkids. I put them in Foster care and adoption. I have a life. Not going to sacrifice my life for snot nosed kids. I have an LTR and an opportunity to live in Europe!!!