According to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), at least 2.7 million homes in this country and run by grandparents who have grandchildren that live with them full-time. Many of those individuals are under the age of 60 and still employed. At least 40% of them either have a disability or are impoverished. Many are forced to take care of their grandkids because their parents develop substance abuse problems or for some other reason. Children who are placed with grandparents derive many benefits from their loved ones taking them in.
Grandparents have had experience in parenting before. While a parent’s skills can always stand to be updated, grandmothers and grandfathers tend to be more confident in raising kids because they’ve already had an opportunity to see what works and doesn’t with their own.
Children who are removed from their homes often become wards of the state. It may take time for kids to adapt to their newfound circumstances. It may be hard for them to relate to a new parental figure in their life, especially when it’s someone that they don’t know. Grandparents have a way of providing that sense of comfort and safety for their grandchildren. They can offer that stability that children need when their lives are in flux.
This is particularly important when a child’s parents are going through a divorce and they’re having difficulty adjusting to having to split their possessions and time between mom and dad. Grandparents can provide that emotional support children need, especially if they’re feeling uneasy about something and want someone to talk to.
Children who have been removed from their homes or who have parents who are in the process of divorcing can benefit from having a stabilizing force in their life. If you’re looking to seek out visitation or custody of your Ohio grandkids then it may be time to learn more about your legal options.
