Golden Opportunity-Grandparenting (Vol. 6, No. 2)
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THE GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY -- "GRANDPARENTING"
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"Golden Opportunities for Grandparents" is an extension newsletter prepared by
Pennsylvania Family Living agents: Jane Beightol, Mifflin Co., (717)
248-9618; Andrea Bressler, Clearfield Co., (814) 765-7878; Nancy Covert,
Jefferson Co., (814) 849-7361; Debra Gregory, Huntingdon Co., (814) 643-1660;
Sandra Hall, Clinton Co., (717) 893-4050; and Jane Mecum, Perry Co., (717)
582-2131. This electronic version is for use by other agents or directly by
community members. (*Professionals: Please acknowledge the source of these
materials if you re-use them.)
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Volume 6, Number 2, 1995
IN THIS ISSUE
Here come the Grandkids
Children's Page
Grand Ideas
Dear Grandparent,
In the last decade, the number of children living with their grandparents has
increased by almost 40%, according to the most recent U.S. Census.
3.2 million children now live with their grandparents. Many believe that
these census figures do not adequately reflect the trend and that, in fact,
there are more children living with grandparents. About half of these
children live with both grandparents, while the other half live with one
grandparent.
In addition, there are millions of grandparents who assume important part-time
child rearing responsibilities while parents work or attend school. Full-time
grandparenting can lead to struggles with custody arrangements, financial
problems, and emotional traumas. Also, some grandparents find it difficult to
deal with modern issues that may not have existed when they were raising their
own children.
This newsletter issue will address some of the legal aspects of
grandparenting. These rights vary by state, so read on to see how issues
stand in Pennsylvania.
Sincerely,
Andrea Bressler, Extension Agent
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HERE COME THE GRANDKIDS
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They may have come to stay. You may be caring for your grandchildren to
assist your working children or because your child is divorced or deceased.
Some grandparents become second time around parents because one or both
parents can't or won't care for their off spring. It may be due to financial
crisis, incarnation, drugs, alcohol problems or because they can't mentally or
physically handle the stress or physical demands of parenting.
Whatever the reason, you are not alone. According to the 1990 United States
Census, there are 3.3 million children living with grandparents who are their
primary caregivers. That's a 41 percent increase since the 1980 census.
While intergeneration households are traditionally more common to African
American or Hispanic families, they are increasing in all race, class and
economic groups. Virtually no community is without the grandparent caregiver
trend.
Until the late 1980's only a few states had any laws recognizing the custodial
grandparent. The PA state law is over 10 years old and was amended in 1985.
PA Law (#23PAVSA-Section 5301 et seq 981) gives grandparents the right to
petition to court for custody or visitation. It only applies in certain
circumstances, such as, divorce, decreased or incarcerated parents.
High Cost of Nurturing Grandkids:
*Financial burden on a fixed income.
*Problems with their own children who may be abusive or drug addicted.
*Legal fees to obtain necessary services for the grandchild who often become
angry, scared and emotionally damaged.
Guilt, frustration - wondering where their generation went wrong as parents.
Energy drain on older person who may already have failing health.
Little social support from friends or other family members.
It Pays to Find Resources
*Your own resources -- enjoy loving, the nurturing process, the good feelings.
*Being needed - extra hugs, smiles.
*Knowing you're not alone, could make the job easier. You can find some local
support.
*Call your family service agency, Parents Anonymous, United Way, YW/YMCA, or
your local ministerium.
*If there isn't a local support group, you can get others to help you create
one. Call your Cooperative Extension Office.
*Learn how to support legislation for grandparent rights. Call your PA State
Representative. There is PA legislation which is now in the Judiciary
Committee. Senate Bill #343 amending Title 23 of the PA consolidated statutes
regarding grandparent rights of custody.
Prepared by Nancy Covert, Clearfield/Jefferson Counties
Information for this article was obtained from: Keystone Legal Aid, Robin
Foor, 814-765-9664.
US News and World Report, "Silent Saviors" 111:80-89, D 16, 1991.
Good Housekeeping, "When You Must Raise Your Children's Children" v219, p181,
July, 1994.
Time, "To Grandmother's House We Go" v136:86+. N5 1990.
Grandparent support group -- The Second Time Around, Diane Warner -
610-566-3395.
Michele Daly, Family and Community Services of Delaware County, 100 Font St.,
Media, PA 601-566-7540.
AARP National Clearinghouse data base, 202-434-2296.
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CHILDREN'S PAGE
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Stencil Stamps
What you need:
potatoes
paint
shallow pan
fabric or paper
How to:
Cut patterns from potatoes to create an infinite number of stencil art
projects. simply cut out the shapes with a knife, then dip the shape into a
shallow pan of paint that is not too wet. It is a good idea to experiment on
paper first. Then press the pattern onto fabric or paper. Repeat to make a
border.
Nature Scavenger Hunt
Take your grandchild on a walk. Before you go, make up a list of simple
things to look for, such as:
round pebble
red leaf
clover leaf
milkweed pod
acorn
forked twig
dandelion
daisy
Glarch
What you need:
white glue all
liquid starch
How to:
Use two parts glue to one part liquid starch. Pour starch into glue, a little
at a time and mix. Add more starch, if needed, so mixture is not sticky.
Cover and refrigerate overnight.
Together play with the 'glarch'. It has a marvelous texture and consistency
and can be cut with scissors, pulled or twisted.
New Ways to Serve Fruit
Frozen Fruit Pops
1 cup bananas, mashed
1 package (10 oz) frozen sliced strawberries, partially thawed OR 1 1/2 cups
sliced fresh strawberries
1 can (13 1/2 oz) crushed pineapple (packed in its own juice), undrained
2/3 cup low-fat milk
Combine bananas and strawberries; beat thoroughly. Stir in pineapple. Add
milk gradually, beating until blended. Spoon into 4 oz paper cups. Insert a
popsicle stick or plastic spoon into the center of each cup. Freeze until
solid. Peel off the paper and serve. Makes 9 servings.
Fresh Fruit Kabobs
Select a variety of fresh fruits, such as melon balls, seedless grapes,
strawberries, banana slices, blueberries, chunks of apple, peaches, kiwi,
mangoes, papaya, or pears.
Thin pretzel sticks.
Set out bowls of several fresh fruits. Wash hands. together put the fruit on
the pretzel sticks to make kabobs. You may want to serve with the fruity dip.
Fruity Dip
1 (8 oz) carton plain low-fat yogurt
2 Tbs. orange juice concentrate
1/2 tsp. vanilla
sprinkle of cinnamon
Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Divide into small bowls so everyone can have
their own bowl of dip.
Prepared by: Sandra P. Hall, Extension Agent, Clinton/Centre County
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GRAND IDEAS
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Teaching Good Manners
Grandparents, as well as parents, can have a vital link in teaching children
good manners.
We often try to instill good manners in toddlers by reminding them to say
"please" for requests, or "thank you" for gifts. It's not until the age of
about five or six that a child can start to comprehend the experience of the
feeling of gratitude.
The more importance grandparents and parents assign to polite behavior, the
more likely children will think it's important too. Here, again, children
often learn by example. How you behave with them or react toward their
behavior will often carry over into their later years.
One way to teach children good manners is to make sure children understand how
people feel when they are not treated with consideration.
Having children say "thank you" for gifts is one way to express appreciation,
but also noticing when a child has done something thoughtful for you or
someone else can communicate values.
Be sure to let children hear your "pleases" and "thank yous" you speak to
others to show your appreciation. The more children hear these examples, the
more likely they will behave this way towards others.
Helmet How-To's
Bicyclists, roller-skaters, and skate boarders all need to wear helmets to
protect themselves from head injuries. It's now the law in Pennsylvania that
all children under 12 years of age must wear a helmet when riding a bicycle.
Choose a helmet with a seal of approval from the American Society of Testing
and Materials (ASTM), the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), or the
Snell Memorial Foundation.
Not only does a helmet need to be well made, it needs to fit well. The front
should be less than an inch above the eyebrow; the sides should cover the
child's ears; the back should cover the little bump that's located at the base
of the skull.
Hard shell helmets are best for children over two. They resist penetration
from sharp objects like rocks and bike pedals. Choose a foam helmet with a
fabric covering for children under two.
*Look for an easy-to-use clasp. Children under eight may need help
manipulating the clasp. Older children will be able to work it on their own.
*Look for reflective material so if a child cannot make it home before dusk,
he or she will be visible.
*Check the helmet regularly to make sure it still fits or is not damaged. If
you spot any defects such as cracks, dents, or missing foam, buy a new helmet.
Prepared by: Jane Beightol, Extension Agent -- Mifflin County
________________________________________________________________________
This publication is available in alternative media on request.
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Dr. Dan Lago, Ph.D., Penn State Extension Aging Specialist
Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences
323 Ag. Administration Building, University Park, PA 16802-2601
(814) 863-7871
Internet Address: DJL@PSU.EDU