I am not but I have a very good friend that is raising her 2 grandchildren and know a few more that are. It is a wonderful thing that you are doing, no matter the circumstances. I know that if something were to happen my mom would not hesitate to raise hers.

http://dailystrength.org/c/Grandparents-Raising-Children/support-group

Here is a DS group - and there are 581 members!

I'm in the same boat, and really need the support to, i've had Jayden for a year now hes 2. My daughter, his mother is 19, shes been doing hard drugs for 5 years, and we also suspect that shes bipolar. My life has been a rollercoaster ride, my parents are getting older and i don't want to dump on them. They help me tremendously with Jayden, my boyfriend is wonderful, and my 17 year old son, but i need to talk to someone who can identify with my pain.

All I can say is bravo to those grandparents who can and do step in. My kids couldn't go to either of their grandparents....they are both too old and unhealthy to take care of them. But, my husband has an older sis who is like a mom (she is 12 years older than us)...and she's the one our kids would go to. She's a gma, taking care of littles ones on and off as well...It's tough - but boy do I see how much love she gives them daily and gpa, he spoils them rotten as well...I think grandparents offer a different style of relaxation to a child having been through the whole child rearing years before...I think it's great what you all do, and while I know it's tough - I'm sure you all find it so rewarding and just love spending so much time with your grandkids. :)

I know a lot of grandparents seem to end up raising their grandchildren.
I think each and everyone of you are to be commended.

It seems like this younger generation (teens) Feel like they are entitled to do whatever they want and leave the kids with one set or the other of their parents.

I too am a NanaMama- Have been for about 6 months now. My daughter is a drug addict and has been locked up for 2 1/2 months now and my husband and I are raising her 12 year old daughter (her son lives with his father). I am dealing with the anger of having to be the bad guy again- I so enjoyed the Nana role and so not ready to take the Mommy role back to a 12 year old GIRL.... Drama queen central. She has always been a great kid, but know she is starting to act out- for example decided to go for a joy ride in my car with her girlfriend- thank goodness I caught her as she was leaving the driveway. I have suggested counciling to her but she says I will be wasting my money because she will not talk to anyone. This is such a hard transition for all of us. Thanks for listening!!

Also any advice on how to transition from being a Nana to the disciplinary would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

I am also a nana returning to the "mom" role again. It is tuff ! But someone has to do it. The only thing I hate is having to discipline her. She is a good kid but just does not think first.

What I currently need help with is how to tell her my ex-her "papa" is sick and will not get better. She adores him and I just don't know how to tell her how sick he really is. Any suggestions please.

Also if any other gp's care to exchange problems, solutions ect I would love to chat. I don't have much support system here.

Thanks

I am with ya on the disipline- I want to spoil not be the bad guy again!!!
How old is your granddaughter Mambear? So sorry for you and her about her papa- that is going to be doubly tough. My daughter always said I was to strict- maybe so, so I am much lighter on my granddaughter than her mother- also, she is a totally different kid than her mother was- that makes a big difference in my book. My thoughts are with you....

My GD is 10 and a very sweet girl. She is not bad but does not think things through. barbsezhey your so right. I thought it was time to spoil them and send them home. but alas, this is now home. But its ok I love her and its good. At least I know she is safe and secure.

yes, we are, this is our fifth time having them but our first time getting something done and getting full custody. its been a rough ten years but it was worth the fight. It was very difficult at times when she would get them back and not let us see them for over a year twice when we had temp custody and to keep them out of foster care. pgp_64@aol.com is a email you can reach me at because I am not always able to get on ds. my name is Pamela Pelham

I have been raising my oldest grand daughter and my twin grand daughters since my daughter died 11 years ago. just wondering how others feel.

just wondering, I didn't want to raise any more kids especially small children in the beginning, but I'm glad I stuck with it. its been 11 years now and I thank god for bringing me this far. Has anyone else ever felt that way?