--- title: 7 Tips For Grandparents Raising Their Grandchildren | NCHS description: Are you a grandparent raising your grandchildren? See what advice, resources, and community support is available to help you create a safe and loving home. image: https://blog.nchs.org/hubfs/shutterstock_754089823.jpg --- [Donate](https://nchs.org/donate/) - - - - - [402.451.0787](tel:402.451.0787) [402.451.0787](tel:402.451.0787) - [130th Anniversary](https://nchs.org/130-years-nchs-celebration/) - [Calendar](https://nchs.org/events/) - [Careers](https://nchs.org/careers/) - [Get Involved](https://nchs.org/get-involved/) [Donate](https://nchs.org/donate/) [![Finalized-NCHS-Full-Color](https://blog.nchs.org/hubfs/Finalized-NCHS-Full-Color.svg)](https://nchs.org/) - [Family Support](https://nchs.org/family-support/) - Column 1 - [Pregnancy Services Offering resources, support, & guidance as you determine the best course of action for you & your family.](https://nchs.org/pregnancy-services/) - [Top Pregnancy Questions](https://nchs.org/pregnancy-services/top-questions/) - [Kinship Navigation Connecting kinship families to the support & community resources they need to thrive.](https://kinship.nchs.org/) - [Families Forever Providing support & strategies for deepening the bonds of families formed through adoption or guardianship.](https://nchs.org/families-forever/) - [Become a Families2Families Mentor](https://nchs.org/become-a-mentor-make-a-difference/) - [Full Circle Conference 2024](https://fullcircle.nchs.org/) - [Early Childhood Education Educating & developing children as they prepare for kindergarten and beyond.](https://nchs.org/early-childhood-education/) - Column 2 - [Parent & Caregiver Support:](https://nchs.org/parent-caregiver-support/) - [Healthy Families America Personalized advice & guidance for expectant or newborn parents.](https://nchs.org/healthy-families/) - [Self-Sufficiency Gain vital skills needed to become more self-sufficient.](https://nchs.org/self-sufficiency/) - [Teen & Young Parent Program Preparing teens & young parents for adulthood.](https://nchs.org/teen-young-parent-program/) - [Foster Care](https://nchs.org/foster-care/) - Column 1 - [Steps to Becoming a Foster Family Get information regarding the process of becoming a foster family.](https://nchs.org/foster-care/#becoming-foster-family) - [Mutual Selection Using a collaborative approach to work toward a brighter future.](https://nchs.org/foster-care/#mutual) - [Adoption](https://nchs.org/child-adoption/) - Column 1 - [Adopt Through NCHS Discover the steps you need to take to start your adoption journey with NCHS.](https://nchs.org/adopt-through-nchs/) - [Considering Adoption for Your Child Get assistance with figuring out the next steps for you & your family.](https://nchs.org/consider-adoption-for-your-child/) - [Post-Adoption Services Access resources & support available to you after an adoption is finalized.](https://nchs.org/post-adoption-services/) - Column 2 - [Adoption Search Discover more about your biological lineage.](https://nchs.org/post-adoption-services#adoption-search) - [Birth-Parent Support Group Peer support for birth parents that chose adoption.](https://nchs.org/post-adoption-services#birth-parent-support) - [Families Forever Providing support & strategies for deepening the bonds of families formed through adoption or guardianship.](https://nchs.org/families-forever/) - [Learn](https://nchs.org/learn/) - Column 1 - [Blog Catch up on the latest tips & information our team has to offer.](https://blog.nchs.org/) - [Resources Browse our extensive resource library to get the answers you need.](https://nchs.org/resources/) - [A Guide to Kinship Care](https://info.nchs.org/kinship-care-resources-services-help-you-care-unique-family) - [Support For Expectant And New Parents](https://info.nchs.org/pregnancy-services-support-for-expectant-and-new-parents) - [Support for Families Formed Through Adoption](https://info.nchs.org/families-forever-support-families-formed-adoption) - Column 2 - [Events Stay updated on the latest events & volunteer opportunities through NCHS.](https://nchs.org/events/) - [News & Press Read up on NCHS’s latest announcements & community news.](https://nchs.org/news-press-releases/) - [Celebrating 130 Years | NCHS Come celebrate with us as we look to a bright future and remember 130 years of caring for Nebraska’s children families.](https://nchs.org/130-years-nchs-celebration/) - [About](https://nchs.org/about/) - Column 1 - [Mission, Values & Strategic Plan Our core values are the driving factor behind everything we do.](https://nchs.org/mission-values-strategic-plan/) - [Leadership, Board, & Trustees](https://nchs.org/about#team) - [Partnerships & Donors](https://nchs.org/partners/) - [Strategic Plan](https://nchs.org/mission-values-strategic-plan#strategic) - [Contact](https://nchs.org/contact/) - [*Family Support* Caring For Your Grandchildren And Yourself Learn valuable strategies for caring for yourself and your grandchildren. Download Now](https://nchs.org/resource/raising-your-grandchildren-one-pager/) - [*Foster Care* FOSTER CARE PROGRAM Access the support, resources, guidance, and tools parents and babies need for… Download Now](https://nchs.org/resource/nchs-foster-care-program/) - [*Adoption* Strengthening Your Relationship As A Family Discover the support and resources available for families formed through adoption or… Download Now](https://nchs.org/resource/families-forever-one-pager/) - [*Learn* Annual Report Gain insight into the impact and work our team has achieved over… Download Now](https://nchs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/NCHS-Annual-Report-2021-2022.pdf) - [*About* Strategic Plan NCHS believes in building a bright, healthy future for all children and… Download Now](https://nchs.org/resource/strategic-plan/) [Blog](https://blog.nchs.org) > [Family & Kinship Support](https://blog.nchs.org/tag/family-kinship-support) # 7 Tips For Grandparents Raising Their Grandchildren February 10, 2022 | 5 min read Share: [linkedin-in icon](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.nchs.org/tips-grandparents-raising-their-grandchildren) [facebook-f icon](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://blog.nchs.org/tips-grandparents-raising-their-grandchildren) [Twitter icon](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://blog.nchs.org/tips-grandparents-raising-their-grandchildren) [envelope icon](mailto:?body=https://blog.nchs.org/tips-grandparents-raising-their-grandchildren) As a grandparent, you probably thought your days raising children were long gone. Chances are that even though you loved raising your children, you were probably relieved to move on to the next chapter and flourish in your role as a grandparent.  Now, you’re finding yourself once again cleaning up after and raising tiny humans running around your house. You’re back in the thick of it, making school lunches, driving children to school, soccer practices, or piano lessons. Instead of relaxing reading a book, you’re spending your evenings trying to help with algebra homework and offering advice about first crushes. It’s likely that you’re feeling a bit stressed or overwhelmed in this new role, but this transition doesn’t need to be scary. By following these 7 tips for grandparents raising their grandchildren, you can start on the right foot and create a safe and loving home that helps your grandchildren develop into successful adults. [@NEChildrensHome has 7 tips for #grandparents caring for their #grandchildren. See what advice, resources, and peer support are available:](https://ctt.ac/ehcaR)[Click To Tweet](https://ctt.ac/ehcaR” %20target=) ## 1. Establish a routine. Transitioning to your new home life or role as a grandparent raising their grandchild won’t be easy. It will take time, patience, and some trial and error to get into a smooth groove. One way to help expedite this process is to set a routine for everyone to follow. Talk with your grandchild(ren) about your expectations with them. What time are they expected to be in bed? How much time can they spend on their devices or watching television? What chores are they expected to help with around the house? Normally, you wouldn’t be the one having to set these boundaries. But, as the primary caregiver, you’re now responsible for ensuring that your grandchildren understand and follow the ground rules you set. It is always better to be upfront and honest with expectations and consequences if rules are broken. ## 2. Be honest. Chances are, you’ll encounter a few uncomfortable conversations or questions from your grandchild regarding your current situation. They may ask why they no longer live with their parents or wonder when they’ll be back home. When it comes to these topics, don’t shy away from being honest. Children appreciate honesty. Be open about your current situation, and use these topics as a platform to demonstrate how deeply they are cared for by so many people. While it might be a difficult conversation to have, this will allow you to build your relationship on sturdy ground, knowing that they can trust in you. ## 3. Keep contact with the parent. While maintaining consistent communication with your grandchildren’s parents might not always be an option, if you have the opportunity to stay in touch, do. The primary goal of [Kinship Navigation](https://nchs.org/kinship-navigation/) is to help foster deep, meaningful connections for children with the adults that care for them. Suppose the parent(s) of your grandchildren are working towards reunification or are working at strengthening their skills and becoming more self-sufficient. In that case, it can be beneficial to maintain contact with them on their journey.  ## 4. Utilize community resources. Often, grandparents who care for their grandchildren find themselves overwhelmed or ill-prepared for their new responsibilities. It’s normal to feel uncertain or scared about this transition, but remember that countless resources and community connections are available to help you on this journey. When you reach out to our team at NCHS, you’ll be instantly [connected to a library of educational resources](https://nchs.org/wp-content/uploads/kinshipnavigator-infosheet.pdf), parenting training courses, and specialists to help answer any questions and address any concerns you may have. We’re here to help you navigate this transition and provide a safe and loving home for the grandchildren you care for. [If you’re a #grandparent finding yourself raising your #grandchildren, @NEChildrensHome has 7 tips to help you set yourself and your grandchildren up for success:](https://ctt.ac/e9TV1)[Click To Tweet](https://ctt.ac/e9TV1” %20target=) ## 5. Reach out for support groups. Understandably, you might be stressed about the transition in your personal and home life. Raising your grandchildren can seem daunting for someone who has already raised a child themselves, but **you are not alone in this. ** Nearly [2.6 million children in the US](https://www.fatherly.com/love-money/living-near-grandma-grandpa-pros-cons/#:~:text=Grandparents%20who%20are%20the%20primary,live%20there%20too%20or%20not.) are currently being cared for by their grandparents. This kind of [kinship care situation](https://info.nchs.org/kinship-care-resources-services-help-you-care-unique-family) is not unique or unheard of, which means that there are people out there that can relate to what you’re currently experiencing.  When caring for your grandchildren, it is important to seek out peer support. Through NCHS, we can connect you with support groups, like-minded peers, and people who have gone through similar situations and come out the other side. There is plenty of support out there to help carry you along in your journey; let us help you find it. ## 6. Don’t neglect your needs. While providing adequate care for your grandchildren is a priority, you also need to take time to focus on your physical, mental, and emotional needs. If you aren’t taking care of yourself, it can be very difficult to care for others. Make it a priority to eat right and exercise, even if that exercise is taking a short walk around the block. Set a consistent sleep schedule so that you can wake up and tackle each day with energy and a positive spirit. When you [take good care of yourself](https://michiganvirtual.org/blog/self-care-for-parents-why-you-need-to-take-care-of-yourself-first/), you set a strong example for the children in your life. ## 7. Try to still be a grandparent, too. It is important for you to be a strong example of discipline in your grandchild’s life. They need someone reliable, responsible, and respectful to help mold them into a healthy, productive child (and later adult). But, it is also important to remember that you need to cherish having the role of grandparent and not just the role of caregiver. Look for times when you can make special memories with your grandchildren. Take time to enjoy the little moments, and set up traditions that your grandchildren can look forward to in the future. As important as your role as primary caregiver is, your grandchildren also need their grandparents from time to time. If you can find ways to have fun and play with them while disciplining and raising them, you’ll leave a lasting impact on their lives. Your role as a grandparent is an integral part of your grandchild’s life. Your grandchildren need to know that they are loved and cared for and that you can be a responsible and reliable pillar in their life when their parent is unable. As a grandparent raising your grandchild, you need to be certain that you’re utilizing the resources available to you to give them the best chance they have to grow up and go out into the world. NCHS is here to help support you in this transition in your life. With access to community resources, certified specialists, educational materials, peer support groups, and more, you can be certain that you’re well-equipped to create a safe and loving home for the children you care for. To learn more about our services or see what support is available to you, [reach out to our team today](https://nchs.org/kinship-navigation/). [![Kinship Navigation Team](https://blog.nchs.org/hubfs/KN-Team-Author-IMG.png)](https://blog.nchs.org/author/kinship-navigation-team) [Kinship Navigation Team](https://blog.nchs.org/author/kinship-navigation-team) NCHS’s Kinship Navigation Team provides kinship families with connections to the resources, educational classes, community support, and advice they need to thrive. No matter how your family was formed, the Kinship Navigation Team can help you strengthen your family ties and create a safe and loving environment. ## Related Blogs September 21, 2023 ##### The Essential Role of a Hospital Adoption Plan in Your Adoption Journey Adoption is quite the journey, filled with a mix of emotions and a multitude of decisions. Among... Read More + September 15, 2023 ##### Governor Pillen proclaims September is Kinship Care Awareness Month Caption: Governor Jim Pillen presents Kinship Care Awareness Month Proclamation to NCHS Chief... Read More + August 10, 2023 ##### Navigating the Difficulties of Adoption: Supporting Your Child and Being Their Voice For families formed through adoption, the notion of advocating for yourself and your family can... Read More + [![Finalized-NCHS-Full-Color-White-Text@3x](https://blog.nchs.org/hubfs/Finalized-NCHS-Full-Color-White-Text@3x.png)](https://nchs.org/) - - - - - ###### Get in Contact [888.315.7347](tel:8883157347) 4939 South 118th Street Omaha, NE 68137 [Contact Us](https://nchs.org/contact/) ###### Helpful Links - [Donate](https://nchs.org/donate/) - [Volunteer](https://nchs.org/donate/volunteer/) - [Careers](https://nchs.org/careers/) - [Stewardship](https://nchs.org/stewardship/) - [Terms and Conditions](https://nchs.org/terms-and-conditions/) - [Privacy Policy](https://nchs.org/privacy-policy/) - [Staff Login](https://nchs.workplace.com/work/landing/input/) - [Board Login](https://app.boardable.com/login) © 2026 Nebraska Children’s Home Society. Site by [Red Branch Media, Inc.](https://redbranchmedia.com/) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Kinship Navigation Team", "url" : "https://blog.nchs.org/author/kinship-navigation-team" }, "dateModified" : "2022-02-10T19:02:27.856Z", "datePublished" : "2022-02-10T19:02:27.000Z", "headline" : "7 Tips For Grandparents Raising Their Grandchildren | NCHS", "image" : [ "https://blog.nchs.org/hubfs/shutterstock_754089823.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.nchs.org/tips-grandparents-raising-their-grandchildren", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject" }, "name" : "Nebraska Children's Home Society" } } ```