A Grand Design

I do not have grandchildren. I am a (mostly) proud parent of two (mostly) well-behaved children who are in elementary and middle school. Parenting is an adventure and, while it is (mostly) rewarding, I am looking forward to the day when my kids have kids. "Why?," you might ask...

So I can hang out with my grandkids, get them all hopped up on cookies and Mountain Dew, and then return them to their parents who will be forced to talk them down off their sugar-induced ledge. Grandparents are supposed to be afforded all the privileges of the fun side of parenting while not shouldering any of the responsibility. They already put in time and effort with their own children so they can enjoy the grand kiddies on their own terms. Right?

Recently, I heard a report on the radio that there were over 4,000 grandparents in Montana who were taking care of their grandchildren. I did some research and found out across the United States, almost 7.8 million children are living in homes where grandparents or other relatives are the householders, with more than 5.8 million children living in grandparents’ homes and nearly 2 million children living in other relatives’ homes. These families are often called “grandfamilies.”

The threat of homelessness is so real for so many American families, that grandparents are coming to the rescue of their families. In what are supposed to be their 'Golden Years,' there is an entire generation foregoing the peace and relaxation of retirement to help bear the burden of again raising their children and their children's children. Many parents work more than one job and childcare is often too expensive, so grandparents are called upon to join the fray. Difficult economic circumstances and low wages have resulted in many families losing their homes and either becoming homeless or moving in with their parents.

This often creates an environment that is not ideal, but better than the alternative. Many grandparents, themselves, still work and this results in long and tiring hours at their job, only to return home and then take over as the primary caregiver to the grandkids. Now, I'm sure they (mostly) help out because they love their families, but the strain can be very taxing. When a home is expanded, certain costs are incurred. There is an obvious financial increase due to extra utilities and food. But there is also an emotional weight added to the family unit. Its easier to bridge two generations than it is to constantly span three in closed quarters.

It is crucial for communities to keep working toward providing affordable housing so this trend can decrease. When a family can afford to live in a house or apartment, then the entire community benefits on many levels. The obvious ramifications result in less people living in places not meant for human habitation or in temporary shelters. But the hidden benefits can reach much deeper. Families can go back to more of a traditional model and grandparents can be relieved of the burden of re-raising kids.

Samaritan House would like to thank al the grandparents in the Valley who are doing a remarkable job of helping their families avoid homelessness by sacrificing their time, energy, space, and finances, so their families have a place to live.

- Statistics courtesy of American Association of Retired Persons