By Nicole Long, MSW, LICSW
CEO of Old Colony Elder Services
Every year, on the first Sunday after Labor Day, we celebrate Grandparents Day! It is a special day to honor and connect with grandparents and pay tribute to them for their involvement in our lives.
Grandparents often play a key role in supporting families, including grandchildren. Some grandparents live far but maintain close bonds through phone calls, video chats, and visits when they can. Others live nearby and are actively caring for their grandchildren. In some families, grandparents step in as primary caregivers, raising their grandchildren in their own homes.
The number of grandparents raising grandchildren is on the rise. While this role can be deeply rewarding – offering grandchildren stability, love, and a strong family connection – it also comes with significant adjustments. Grandparents often find themselves once again managing daily responsibilities such as homework, meals, sports, financial obligations, and busy schedules.
As a new school year approaches, here are a few tips for grandparents to help transition routines with grandchildren:
Calendar collaboration. Take time to review your schedule with your grandchildren’s schedule and make notes on your calendars. A large, easy-to-read wall calendar in a central space in the home will help everyone stay on track. It may be helpful to keep a calendar on your device so you can make updates when you are away from home. You can also set alerts to remind you about each event so you can arrive on time. Calendars are a critical tool when it comes to after-school pickup, school project due dates, sports, dance recitals, medical appointments, and much more.
Keep keys and other necessary items in a designated spot. Each day can seem busier than the previous day, especially for grandparents raising grandchildren. From driving grandchildren to and from school, and to and from activities, grandparents often take on many daily responsibilities. Grandparents are “on the clock” as soon as the day begins. The night before, make a habit of putting your keys, wallet, water bottles, shoes, coat, and any other items that you’ll need the next day in one place. If your grandchildren live with you, take the same steps with each grandchild and help them get everything ready and in place the night before. This can be a game-changer!
Establish routines. For grandparents raising grandchildren, establishing a routine and a schedule sets expectations for everyone in the household. Grandchildren will know their next step once they arrive after school or activities. Should they immediately finish homework? Or do they get a couple hours of “down time” to watch their favorite show, play video games, etc. Do they have chores? When is dinner time and bedtime? Having a routine helps factor everything in, keep everyone on track, and keep stress levels to a minimum.
Did you know? Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) has a Family Caregiver Support Program (FCSP) that empowers grandparents raising grandchildren by providing resources and support to help with caregiving. OCES provides one-on-one support to grandparents and creates a personalized plan that outlines available resources appropriate to their caregiving situation.
Learn more about how OCES’s FCSP helps navigate one of life’s challenging but most rewarding jobs. Visit https://ocesma.org or call 508-584-1561.
About the Author: Nicole Long is the Chief Executive Officer of Old Colony Elder Services (OCES). Founded in 1974, OCES is a private, non-profit organization proudly serving greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is designated as one of 25 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’s mission is to support the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers a number of programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.
