Is there anyway to add more space when posting? My biggest fear is that the kids will go back to their mom and she won't be ready to be a mom. I don't understand all this guardianship status anyway - do yall? Thanks for listening and I'll be back.

Hi Bonkers. I don't know what a "dud" is either and am anxcious for someone to reply to your post to find out. Glad your "one of us"! Welcome. This site has been such a comfort to me... It's great to know that there are others just like us. There truly is strength in numbers!

If you go to discussion on Hearing, you will see some notes on issues. You need to educate yourself on the subject of guardianship and custody in your state. Each state is different in some ways. Go to your state website and find the dept of aging (doesn't make difference what your age is) where you should find some information on grandparents raising grandchildren and hopefully a number you can call to get support and/or referrals, info, etc. You can also go to Grandfamilies.com. They have done a lot of legislative work. If you just put in "grandparents raising grandchidren" you will find many sites with valuable information. You are not alone in your fear of daughter getting kids back and doing drugs. The constitution protects the rights of the biological parents, not the children and grandparents usually do not have "standing" in court, which means they will listen to mom over you. After you educate yourself, you might speak to lawyer knowledgeable on the subject and see if you have legal rights to adoptk etc. Welcome. Congratulations on being on top of protecting your grandchildren. Let me know if I can be of further help. I don't see what state (or country) you live in. My email is daisycompany2@yahoo.com. I've written two books on subject and am actively advocating in my state of Illinois.

Welcome!

LOL is "laughing out loud" and I think "dud" is just that -- a bio-dud instead of bio-dad.

LOL!

Bomkers2 Welcome! Im still learning too but here is what I have learned

DD= dear daughter
DS= dear son
DH= dear husband so forth and so on
DIL= daughter - in-law
SIL= son-in-law so forth and so on
Bio or Bios= biological parents
GS= grandson
GD=granddaughter
GC-grandchildren/child
BF= boyfriend
BFF= best friend
BTDT= Ben there done that

Cant think of anymore right now or that is all I knowLOL

Again welcome! Post away! Vent away!

I can't bring myself to use "DD" or "DSD" for Dear Stepdaughter, because "dear" is about the last word I would use to describe my feelings toward Her.

HAHAHAHA!

Dear doesn't do it for me either LOL - LOL is one I know because I have to laugh and I love to laugh - Thanks all for the welcome - I used to think it was Lots of love - WOOPS but I am learning - I am from Oklahoma - anyone else?

Hi Bonkers2 and welcome to the group. I can't bring myself to us D anything unless I am being synacle because at this point even the daughter is dear.

Since you have been watching the group for a while you know its ok to whine, cry, bitch, moan, smile, and laugh with group because we are all in this together.

Hi bonkers, and welcome!!
Bonkers sums it all up nicely by the way.
I am glad you asked for this list!1 I couldn't figure out some of the abbreviations either. DD was one of them.
I have used BSD as bio sperm donor, but someone else used DNA donor which I think sounds a lot nicer but do we always have to be nice?(hard to even give credit for this "donation" when BSD has been abusive)

Welcome. Thanks for asking about the abbrev. I too was wondering. Had figured most of them out. But the words I would like to use to describe the bp are words like AH SOB JA DH but I will be nice and use the ones nice one. Welcome to this wonderful place for grandparents.

Hi Bonkers and welcome to the group. We all have different reasons why we are here but they all involve us doing the work in raising our gc so feel free to vent, ask questions, keep us posted on the bio's involvement and your kids progress.

OMG = Oh My God
DX = Diagnose
GGM = Great Grand Mother
Bio Dud = exactly that a dud of a dad
BTW = By the Way

Helen

You asked where some of us are from. Mema48 and I are both from the Pittsburgh PA area.

I'm from Southern New Jersey.

Hey and welcome. I'm new also and it's kind of like a life line isn't it? We have had our GD here since birth but permanent custody came later after both bios agreed it would be best for her to have stability and security. She's 8 now. If you are not already doing so, my first advice would be to keep a journal. Not the diary, prayer or that type, although those are also helpful for you, but one like this. A journal of facts re bio's, their interaction, phone calls, visits, kept promises broken promises, and the grands reactions to any and all. Try to keep it something you can use for court, therapist or attorney if and when it may be needed. I have never had to use mine but is there if ever. It was very helpful when Isome accusations came, because to be able to say "no, on such and such a date you called and said this and then we didn't hear from you until such and such date." You be surprised how fast they backstep when they know you have such odd details noted. God bless you. You and grandpa have entered a blessed position and "picking up the pieces" is part of it that I am beginning to think will never end. We pray for wisdom and patience alot!

I live in northwest Missouri.