Phenomenon Of Grandparent Becoming Parent Essay Example for Free

Phenomenon Of Grandparent Becoming Parent Essay FIGURE FOR GRANDCHILDREN   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Since 1980, there have been dramatic increases in children living with and being cared for by their grandparents. In 1980, 2.3 million children were living in with their grandparents. By 1997, there were 3.9 million children living in that situation. The 2000 U. S. Census has reported 4.5 million children living in grandparent-headed homes. The 2000 Census also counted, for the first time, 2.4 million grandparents who are responsible for the basic needs of their grandchildren who are living with them. REASONS WHY GRANDPARENTS ARE RAISING THEIR GRANDCHILDREN   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Given the statistics above, it can be assumed that more and more grandparents have to play parenting roles for their grandchildren. There are a number of reasons why the statistics continue to rise: The American Association of Retired Persons’ (AARP) Grandparent Information Center states that the most common reason is substance abuse. Drug and alcohol problems are causing parents to be unable to raise their children. Teenage pregnancy is also one reason why grandparents come to raise their grandchildren. Parents who marry and give child at a very young age are often not yet emotionally prepared to take care of their children Illnesses – parents have mental illness or have contacted some other diseases like HIV/Aids. Incarceration-parents are imprisoned or are under detention Child abuse or neglect-the child have been physically abused or are totally neglected by their parents Domestic violence-the parents are often hurling verbal or physical abuse against each other and the child suffers from trauma Death of one or both parents Military deployment- grandparents are called to step in when one or both parents are deployed in military service and are unable to care for their kids Poverty or joblessness   Ã‚  Ã‚   EMOTIONAL BENEFITS   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   A majority of grandparents who raise their grandchildren report experiencing a great purpose for living. Providing care for grandchildren helped them to feel young and inactive. Other rewards include A chance to raise a child differently A chance to nurture family relationships. Family ties and values are preserved. They are able to receive love, affection, and companionship from their grandchildren. Children raised by grandparents tend to be less rebellious and are more understanding and appreciative. To many of the grandparents raising their grandchildren, their sacrifices are more than worth it. It is clear that despite the problems, most grandparents derive satisfaction from acting as parents to their grandchildren. Caring for their grandchildren can be positive and rewarding. Grandparent bring the benefit of experiences and perspective. They can also provide important stability, predictability.   And they can be a healthy role model for their grandchildren. OTHER PROBABLE BENEFITS   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Grandparents can ask for legal arrangements so that they can have full custody, temporary custody, or they can obtain the status of being a foster parent. When custody is established by the law, they will have a measure of legal security and can gain rights and benefits for them and their grandchildren. The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Each state has a CHIP which pays for doctor visits, hospital stays, shots, and medicine. Financial Aids A child may be legible to get money from the state’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program. These families may qualify for food stamps. The child may qualify for Child Tax Credit and the grandparent may qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit. Both programs can give them extra cash at tax time. Grandparents can ask the school guidance about applying for free hot meals for their grandchildren. REFERENCES Bryson, K. Casper, L.M. (1998). â€Å"Co-resident \Grandparents and their Grandchildren. Census Bureau Current Population Reports.† P23-198.   http://www.census.gov Accessed 6 February 2008 Doucette-Pudman, D. Lacerre, J.R. (1996). Raising Our Children’s Children. Minneapolis, MN.: Fairview Press. Mullen, F. (1995). A tangled web: Public benefits, grandparents and grandchildren. Washington D.C.: American Association of Retired Persons.