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Forum Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 20/11/2008 12:48:29 PM
Posts: 1,
Visits: 2
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| I am a grandmother (or actually a step-grandmother) in my fifties raising a grandchild. My grandson is four now but will be turning five in January and starting school next year. I feel very much alone as I'm so much older than other Mums. We recently had orientation for Kindergarten next year and I felt very much on the outer. When I went to the Uniform Shop I was first in and last served because I don't think people realised I was actually there to buy clothes. I think they assumed I there with someone else. I'd like to communicate/socialise with others in my position.
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Forum Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 5/02/2009 5:08:33 PM
Posts: 1,
Visits: 4
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Just start chatting to other mums ect.
Your just like everybody else.
Act your self you will find that in time you will fit in .
I only have a 3y old g/son i get to see every second weekend for two hours.
Asked my daughter about having time alone with him she went quite.
I would try and help out at the school that helps as well go to everthing thats on they will get the idea.
hope this helps you
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Supreme Being
Group: Banned Members
Last Login: 13/04/2009 6:51:02 AM
Posts: 81,
Visits: 308
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There is a lady on the Gold coast who started a group caled Gags Grand Parents raing grandkids.
She has five and is much older than you.
Would u like her contact details. Where abouts are you.
Mind you friends are what you need whether your raising a child or not raising a child. I think your lonely by the sounds of things.
Happy to help anyway i can. To the other lady- You should ask your daughter why she went quite. After all you raised her. You deserve respect. That was rude and very hurtful.
So kiddo your welcome too.
Ok thats three of us all on the Coast now ladies!
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Supreme Being
Group: Banned Members
Last Login: 13/04/2009 6:51:02 AM
Posts: 81,
Visits: 308
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grandmamum
I do hope your getting along ok. Your doing a great job Gal. Good for you. Pop in to my email address any time if you need help. We are on the Coast too.
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Junior Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 9/06/2009 11:38:18 PM
Posts: 22,
Visits: 62
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| GrandmaMum, my hat's off to you for mothering for the (I assume) second time around. I wish my mum and mum-in-law were more enthusiastic about being a part of my tot's life. We have to practically twist their arm(s) for them to see him, a few times a year, and they don't wish to caretake him for even a few hours, let alone permanently as you do. I'd recommend you ask your step-grandson's teacher to suggest some school programmes with which you can become involved, if it's possible with your work/home schedule, whereby you can meet older mums or step/grand mums raising children. My good friend volunteered to read to primary school aged children, at her sons' school, and helped collate articles for the school newsletter, until she felt like part of the school and school mums' community. She's actually now a teacher's aide, at that school, as they were so impressed by her commitment. Failing that, volunteering for the school tuckshop a few lunchtimes a year is a great way to meet other mums. Depending on where you're located there are organisations with which you can connect, for grandparents in the same circumstance, from the 'About Seniors' site: http://www.aboutseniors.com.au/index.php/articles/category/grandparents/ TAS: http://www.aboutseniors.com.au/index.php/articles/category/grandparents/ NSW: http://www.raisinggrandchildren.com.au/ VIC: http://www.grandparents.com.au/ WA: http://www.community.wa.gov.au/DFC/Communities/Seniors/Publications/Grandfamilies_A_Resource_Guide_for_WA_Grandparents_Raising_Grandchildren.htm SA: http://www.dfc.sa.gov.au/pub/tabid/201/itemid/1044/Default.aspx QLD: http://www.grandparentsqld.com.au/ ACT: http://www.grandparents.org.au/gp_what_is_gp.htm Best of luck and good for you, for caring about your step-grandchild.
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Junior Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 31/03/2012 12:28:30 AM
Posts: 18,
Visits: 6
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We're parenting grandparents on the gold coast too and I too have found it very isolating raising a child when you're soooo much older than all the other mothers. We've had our 6yo boy (he has Autism) since he was born and while I attended all the sessions at the local child health clinic, not until the very last day was I ever asked to join the other mothers for coffee at the local cafe. They just didn't know what to say to me even though I was dangling a baby from my arms just like them. I didn't sound or dress like them and I wasn't the confident sort to just invite myself along and assume I was automatically included
Now that he's started school (he's in Grade 1 this year), we're lucky that he's in a small village school (only about 320 pupils in total) and the area is slightly 'alternative'. While I was viewed with some suspicion in the beginning, they are now becoming more comfortable in my presence and after a while, once chatting, forget that there are 25-30 years of difference between us (but it's taken over a year to get to this point!)
Frustratingly though, I work full time so my husband is the carer at home who takes him to and from school, talks with the teacher and gets all the details on who's doing what and why. Now I'm really behind the 8 ball, only catching up if on holidays or a child's birthday party at the weekend
You will need to learn how to approach others and talk to them tho, choose topics that are relevant to you both and conversation will eventually flow
Good luck!
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Forum Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 5/04/2012 1:49:05 PM
Posts: 1,
Visits: 3
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Grandparents experience self renewal through their grandchildren and giving them the sense of security by helping them grow in their self confidence, self identity, self respect and self esteem brings happiness and utmost satisfaction to the grandparents. Rewards such as a chance to raise a child differently, to nurture family relationships, continue family histories and to receive love and companionship from their grandchild. And more importantly grand parents can provide stability, predictability and a healthy role model for their grandchildren.
It is normal for grandparents to want to spoil their grandchildren. That is a given. But according to a recent survey, more often than not they are also contributing to the support of their children's offspring. This survey also claims that it is often being tapped for basic living expenditures, and not than just for indulgent gift-giving. I have read it here: Over half of grandparents help support grandkids
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