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Grandparents raising grandchildren: a primer for pediatricians
1aYale University, New Haven, Connecticut bDevelopmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Steven and Alexandra Cohen Children's Medical Center of New York, Lake Success, New York, USA.
Insights
Grandchildren raised by grandparents face unique challenges, including higher risks for developmental and behavioral issues. Custodial grandparents may also experience health and financial difficulties impacting care.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Family Studies
- Social Work
Background:
- Increasing numbers of children are being raised by their grandparents in the U.S.
- These families face unique health, social, legal, and financial challenges.
- Children in grandparent-led households are at higher risk for developmental and behavioral problems due to adverse environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review key considerations for the physical and behavioral well-being of children raised by grandparents.
- To highlight the challenges faced by these unique family structures.
Main Methods:
- This study is a review of existing literature and clinical considerations.
- It synthesizes information on the needs of children and custodial grandparents.
Main Results:
- Children raised by grandparents are more vulnerable to developmental and behavioral issues.
- Custodial grandparents may face negative health, social, and financial outcomes.
- These challenges can impact the quality of care provided to grandchildren.
Conclusions:
- Pediatricians must assess both the child's and the custodial grandparent's needs, abilities, and limitations.
- Clinicians should offer parenting advice and direct support to custodial grandparents.
- Referrals to community resources, social services, legal counsel, and national organizations are crucial for comprehensive support.
Purpose Of Review:
To provide clinicians with a review of key considerations relating to the physical and behavioral well-being of children raised by their grandparents.
Recent Findings:
As the number of children being raised by their grandparents in the United States steadily increases, the needs of these families require greater attention. These children and their custodial grandparents face unique health, social, legal, and financial challenges. Children being raised by their grandparents are at higher risk for developmental and behavioral problems because of prior or current adverse family environments. Moreover, there is evidence that custodial grandparents may experience negative health, social, and financial outcomes that may constrain their ability to provide the best care for their grandchildren.
Summary:
Pediatricians should not only be aware of the medical and developmental status of children who are being reared by their grandparents, but also assess the needs, abilities, and potential limitations of these custodial grandparents. In addition to providing useful parenting advice and direct support to custodial grandparents, pediatricians should refer these families as needed to local grandparenting groups, social service agencies, experienced legal counsel, and relevant national organizations for support and guidance.