Summary: Grandparents step into parents' shoes when necessary. Grandfamilies are presented with unique challenges.Millions of children across the United States are being raised by their grandparents.Grandparents have always played a role in children’s lives, but their involvement in raising the children has increased in the past twenty years. Their involvement can go beyond serving as a sitter or providing care while the parents are working.Grandfamilies are often formed under stress. Grandparents typically step in as primary caregivers because of a crisis. Relearning how to parent in modern times with today’s challenges means a learning curve for grandparents.Listen as Dr. Andrew Adesman joins Melanie Cole, MS, in this encore episode from January 2019 to discuss how grandfamilies are formed and resources available to families to manage the new commitment and responsibilities these grandparents have.
