When I was a child all of my before and afterschool care was provided by my grandparents. Summer break meant summer with grandma and although that often meant spreading bark dust, pulling weeds, and a strict limit on TV time, my sisters and I had nothing to complain about. After all, grandma had already raised one family of her own. She had the job down pat!
So when the time came when my mom needed help to provide a safe, comfortable, affordable home for us, it was grandma and grandpa that stepped up to the plate offering us all a spot in theirs.
Our story is not unique. The U.S. 2010 Census revealed that 8 percent of the children in the state of Oregon live in homes where the householders are grandparents. And it’s not just providing a home that grandparents are doing; many of today’s grandparents provide childcare for their working children as well.
These grandparents deserve a pat on the back, heck they deserve more than that, but the patting we can afford so hats off to grandparents everywhere playing active roles in raising their grandchildren.
Next month the Pendleton Public Library is hosting the first in a series of workshops titled “Grandparenting 101”. Attendance is free and so are the refreshments! The purpose of the series is to provide a space for grandparents to learn, laugh and discuss the issues relevant to raising today’s generation of kids. Whether your grandchildren live with you or just spend a lot of time in your care we hope you will attend. Our first workshop is hosted by registered nurse and fellow grandparent Susan Bullington. Together we will learn about current health issues, talk about what has changed since you raised your own kids and open the floor up for discussion. So join us Thursday, May 9th at 5:00pm inside the library. Bring your best “Kids say the darndest things story” and we guarantee you’ll have a good time.