This is my new blog where I hope to look into the challenges of grandparents who are now raising their grandchildren.  First a little history. I am a single grandmother who's youngest son and his wife have severe drug issues. As a result I took control of my two precious grandsons three years ago. The oldest just turned 18 years old and the younger is now 16.  It has been a challenge over these past few years not only emotionally but financially.  My daughter is also helping to raise and support them as we all live together and it takes us both to make this work.

I have found there is little help for our segment of society even though it is growing by leaps and bounds. With the epidemic of drug addiction and the many who have been rendered helpless with these additions more and more grandparents are taking on the children to insure they have a safe and secure environment. There is little information and less available help for the grandparent in this situation.

It is so important that the children have an opportunity to lead a normal (as possible) life and there is no way that I would have ever turned my back on these two beautiful boys.  It was a challenge to bring them from such a desperate situation and have them believe that they would not have to be the parents to their parents anymore.  They had lived with no rules and no security for the past few years and as a consequence they would have a time of adjustment that was difficult for both them and me.

Establishing rules and boundaries was the first order of business.  Calling home, checking in, not running away to avoid going home was no longer acceptable.  This took some time but eventually it became clear to them that I really did care and needed to know they were OK. Not hurt, not in trouble, not wandering but at home, on the way home or secure with permission in another home.

Just making them a special place in my home was a challenge, they had to have bedding, clothes, toiletries and more just to get them started. As a single grandmother on a fixed income this was a challenge, but with the help of Goodwill we were able to pull a room together and they settled in.

It was important to us that the boys were secure and knew that we would care for them, love them and be certain they would always have a good place to call home.  They soon discovered that they could invite their friends to our home and they would be welcome and not be exposed to any illicit activities.  They began to accept the rules and appreciate their place in their home.  Their parents knew this was the best thing for the boys and did not object or cause any issues because of the change.

As I continue this blog I will be searching for resources for other Grandparents raising their Grandchildren. Whether it be medical, financial or just how to cope with the kids at any age.  I hope it helps those of you who click on and read.