I am actually a grandmother raising my 5 1/2 yr old grandson

Sandy - posted on 01/27/2009

I have found that most of the agencies or support groups for grandparents in our situation are for much older grandparents. I live in Perth Western Australia and if you are not recieving an aged pension or similar there is nothing around. If any one knows of any support groups etc please let me know

Cheers Sandy

Andra - posted on 01/27/2009

I understand. I am pretty lucky that my kids and hubby help like they do and he goes to visit his other grandparents and his dad...I am old and need a break sometimes. LOL

Actually he has made me get through the death of my daughter...I hate to sit around and be sad in front of him and he keeps me too busy to dwell on it.

Helen - posted on 01/27/2009

Please don't get me wrong I love and adore my grandson, he is my world and would do anything for him. I just never thought I would be raising him. I am hoping one day he will go back and live with his mother ( my Daughter). But for now he is with me, he does see both parents on regular basis. As well as has a big brother relationship with my former partner ( as they became very close during my relationship). I really wish there were more support groups for grandparents raising their grandchildren, a I looked for some where I live and there were none to speak of.

Andra - posted on 01/27/2009

We are raising our 5 yo grandson also. His mother died last June...but we had him often in the year prior to her death. It was almost like things were getting in alignment or something.

He is a joy. We adore him.

Sandy - posted on 01/27/2009

Hi Helen

I know how you feel. I too am raising my 9 year old grandson, he's been with me since he was six months old. I had my first child at 18 and have been raising kids for the past 27 years. Just when I thought I was going to have some freedom to be me, my grandson came into the fold. How things change so quickly.

Although he is a very affectionate kid, he has quite a few behaviour problems that make me dread school holidays, especially the long christmas break. Roll on school I say!!!!!

Sometimes the only thing that gets me through the day is knowing that if he didn't come to live with me, he may not be around today. Even though it is hard, keep remembering that we are not super heroes just grandparents doing it a second time round.



Cheers Sandy