Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
It used to be commonplace for multi-generational families to live together with all adults having a hands-on role in the rearing of children. Divorce was uncommon. In those idyllic days grandparents played a special, part-time role. Nowadays many grandparents have more involved roles and it’s usually because of a sad story, including divorce, which left no other choice.
According to AARP, 31% of adults are grandparents. 8% of those grandparents are regularly providing day care and 3% are raising a grandchild. It is rarely ideal for a grandparent to be the primary caregiver. However, it is a situation that is on the rise and it is affecting people of all races and socioeconomic status.
When a grandparent takes on this huge responsibility, it has a life altering affect. As a result, more and more programs are being set up to assist grandparents. The government has a website dedicated to helping grandparents, and AARP provides a website on grandparenting as well. Family law attorneys can also offer advice.
Author Alex Haley said “Nobody can do for little children what grandparents do. Grandparents sort of sprinkle stardust over the lives of little children.” As a society we want to strive to make sure grandparents have a healthy relationship with their grandchildren, whether it’s in a traditional or expanded role.
If you have a grandchild in Illinois and you want information about how to assert your rights to visitation or custody stay tuned for next week’s blog. Subscribe to my blog Divorce Lawyers Chicago now so you will automatically receive it and other useful and interesting information.
