My biggest issue is social isolation. I don' really fit in with the child-free friends of my "past," and I definitely don't fit in with the young families from our church and community.  I have literally lost all my previous social contacts and now simply manage to get away for awhile by myself to see a movie or go out to dinner alone when my husband is home to care for her. I love her dearly but I'm losing myself!

We are raising our triplet grandchildren. We had never kept all three for the night until they came to live with us. They are the greatest joy and the most work I have ever experienced.

Having been involved in their lives from an early age, my grandchildren were usually with me anyway. When my son died last June, they had to make very little adjustment when  their Mother left to go to another province.

The decision for us to adopt my granddaughter helped because it gave us stability and a feeling of permanence in our situation. My granddaughter calls us "Mom" & " Dad" and she feels more secure in knowing we will always be here and no one can come in and upset the life she has. She repeatedly tells us, "I love my life. I love my house."

Being able to stay home with them has helped. I do not think I could have done a very good job if I had to work 40 hours and care for them. Even though we struggle financially it is worth it.

My Grandchild has special needs that her parents refused to see. But, every day she brings sunshine into my life with something new she has learned.

I am still young but feel much older, I don't have the energy I used to have. I don't want to shortchange my granddaughter.

Concerned in South Carolina

I fear for my granddaughter she has so many scars and I'm not sure I can get her where she needs to go. She talks one way but heads in another and that's the same thing her mother did and here we are years later and her mother is still going in the wrong direction. The boys are great they look forward to very happy lives. They are adjusting very well.

Need Understanding in Arizona

We need to make the government officials understand that we are in need, not only of financial assistance, no matter what our pension or retirement is. I have seen too many retiree's spend all they have on the grandchildren, that they barely have enough for them selves. We need to have the society as a whole not look at us/or our situation in a bad light... too many people have the attitude of "the apple doesn't fall to far from the tree" This mentality is harmful not only to the children but also to the grandparents. They have themselves, their children, and also they have grandchildren to deal with the best they can. We have to be the strong generation!!!

Faith in God in Georgia

I, truly believe that God is right in the midst of us trying to do this awesome task. If it were not for Him, I would not be able to accomplish what we do for our grandchildren. We are raising 13 of our grandchildren, nieces and nephews!

Isolated in Minnesota

I was home with our 5 kids until the youngest started preschool, but I never felt the isolation and loneliness that I do now. Maybe being at home all day doing daycare is a part of it. When our kids were young, I had friends who also had young kids. We could swap childcare or just call on each other for support. I never felt as though I gave up my life for my children. None of my 50+ yr old friends have babies to care for 24/7, and none of them can even closely relate to me. I'm relying on my 25 yr daughter, whose baby is only 5 wks older that the one living with us, as my emotional support but she is 525 miles away! My husband works fulltime and then some (law enforcement), but he relieves me whenever possible, but he doesn't feel the same isolation that I do. I'm trying to rekindle old hobbies I had, and find new interests (ECFE activities) but I struggle with social relationships now that I am back in the diaper and bottle saddle.

Grateful in Florida

Sometimes I feel too old to raise an 11 yr old and 15 yr old. Other times they keep me young. I am so glad I have them in my life and my home.

A Blessing In Oklahoma

I am changing the way I look at the situation. I now realize that this is a blessing instead of thinking it is a burden.

Support in Kentucky

Time has helped. I go to Alanon meetings and a grandparents support organization. Talking to other people and reading about other grandparents has helped.

Transitioning in New Hampshire

Well, technically I have been with them their entire lives--my daughter lived with me...so I know the children VERY well. For the record, I haven't made the mental transition completely yet from grandparenting role to parenting role...but knowing that they needed a stabilizing force in their lives --and that I'm "it" has helped.

Feeling alone in Florida

My husband and closest 4 friends have died in the last five years. I have many work commitments where I must deal with people but no one my age has anything in common with my lifestyle. Aside from a church prayer group, I often feel alone.

One day at a time in Arizona

I have only had my 2 granddaughters for one month. I have a strong faith in God and I try to take one day at a time. (Sometimes one minute at a time!) Humor helps and being older now and raising children, I try to enjoy the "now" with my girls, as I know how fast they grow up. It is more important for me to be with them, than cleaning, etc.

Frustrated in Arkansas

I feel I am reworking a 2 & 4 year old puzzle that wasn't put together right. I am very frustrated with my daughter she is 25 and I expected more of her than this. She wanted to be a teacher. It's unbelievable!

We can not afford a day care facility. Someone watches the boys 4 days a week for minimal money which is nice, but her family environment is not what I want the boys exposed to. I feel very trapped. The boys are so wonderful, I would so like to give them a better situation.

Concern in Nevada

We'd really rather see our granddaughter being raised by her parents but that is not a reality in the near future. Our first concern is her welfare. We are presently involved in court guardianship actions.

Blessed in Florida

When I was 17 I gave a child up for adoption. I did not want this for our grandbaby. I asked God for the answers and did a lot of praying that if it is his will to give me another chance at being a mom, that I would do it. Our grandbaby is 18 months old and is my husband's daughter's son. I am so thankful and blessed

Wishing in Illinois

I have my oldest grandson in private guardianship and my youngest one is in state care. I wish that the governor would equalize the child only grant along with the foster care payment. It would make things a lot easier, especially since they are both special needs.

Dealing in Pennsylvania

Due to a tragic situation my grand daughter is in my custody... I thought I would be unable to deal with day to day activities. However, my grand daughter's presence forces me to deal with life

Friends and Family in Tennessee

My granddaughter is 18. my husband and I raised her. She has a daughter (my great granddaughter). My husband and I divorced recently after 38 years of marriage. My two granddaughters live with me.