(ARA) Mom, dad, kids and a dog named Spot. The nuclear family structure that was typically portrayed in television shows of the 1950s and 1960s is not the reality of today. Families are sewn together by many different threads, and one specific familial setup -- grandparents raising grandchildren -- is one that is not only unique by definition, but also is susceptible to many unique challenges.

"The pattern of grandparents serving as the primary caregivers to children has been increasing steadily over the past decade," said Dr. George Stricker, professor of clinical psychology at Argosy University.

U.S. Census 2000 data indicated that 2.4 million grandparents are taking on primary responsibility for their grandchildren' basic needs. Many do it without the child's parent in the home.

"Grandparent/grandchild relationships almost always occur as a result of something bad happening to the previous care-giving setup," Stricker said. They include deaths, incarcerations illness and abuse.

With these hardships come the significant age and generation gaps between grandparent and grandchild. As a result, it may be difficult for grandparents to relate to parents of peers of the grandchild.

"Physical and mental energy may not be present in an aging caregiver," said Stricker. "There also are problems that arise from the interference with the grandparents' plans for their later years."

Despite some tough roadblocks in the family's path, it is important to realize that there are many rewards facing aging caregivers.

"Grandparents can still gain the satisfaction of contributing to the well-being of the family and the love and companionship provided by the youngster," said Stricker.

Grandparents may be helped if they understand the benefits of what they are doing, focus on some of the benefits that accompany the problems, and do not deny the problems that are inevitable with the role.

"Remember that grandparents, too, may have had a tragedy concerning their own child, so they are hurting going into their new caregiver role. Any other advice would be the same as would be given to a parent: Be patient and loving, and hope for the best," Stricker said.

Courtesy of ARA Content