Children living with grandparents - Aboriginal Parent Easy Guide
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It is normal in our culture for children to spend lots of time with grandparents. Sometimes grandparents become 'parents' again when their grandchildren or 'grannies' come to live with them for periods of time. This can happen for lots of reasons and grandparents usually say 'yes' no matter what it takes.
Living together can be great for grandparents and children too!
When children live with grandparents:
- they get lots of love and support
- brothers and sisters can stay together
- children can stay connected to family and culture.
Spending time together creates lifelong memories.
When children live with grandparents, they can feel:
- happy - they love being with you
- unhappy - they just want mum or dad
- worried about what's happening at home
- angry and confused.
Children can show stress by:
- being very quiet - not doing things they normally enjoy
- 'misbehaving'
- not sleeping or eating much, having tummy aches or headaches.
If children are upset, don't take it personally - they are just trying to make sense of it all. If you are worried about a child, talk with your health worker or doctor.
Things that can help children
- staying at the same school, if possible
- telling teachers what's happening
- keeping children in touch with parents, family and friends
- regular routines such as bedtime and meals
- having clear rules in your home, so children know what is OK and not OK
- talking about feelings
- telling children what's going on - but not too much about adult problems.
Children living with grandparents can mean:
- a full house
- lots to do
- extra cost
- impact on relationships and health.
Going to school
Even if children are with you for a short time, they need to go to school every day.
This is a legal requirement for children up to 16 years. Talk with the school about what's happening - many have Aboriginal workers that can help.
Money matters
- Many grandparents 'stretch' a pension to care for children.
- Talk with your adult children about how they will help with money.
- Ask Centrelink what you are entitled to.
- Make sure you get any concessions such as council rates, transport, gas and electricity.
- Check what's in your local area for grandparents such as free childcare, respite or other services.
- Church groups may be able to help with food and other things.
Financial services
There are services that can help with budgeting and negotiating bills.
- Centrelink Grandparents Advisors: Phone 1800 245 965
- Grandparents for Grandchildren SA: Phone 8212 1937
- SA Government - Help for older Aboriginal people
Living together takes everyone time to get used to.
Things that can help grandparents
Ask someone you trust for help:
- around the house or yard
- taking children to school
- with homework - older siblings can be good at this
- with things such as clothes, school supplies, books or toys.
Get children to help out around the house. This teaches them responsibility and helps you too.
Keep healthy
- Eat well, exercise and get as much rest as you can.
- Take medications your doctor prescribes.
- Talk with a friend, doctor or health service if you feel low or stressed.
- Look after your relationships with friends, family or partner - they are important supports for you.
Getting along with your adult children
It's best for children if you get along with their parents.
Always talk kindly about parents in front of children. Children love them no matter what.
Try to:
- be someone your children can talk to - it can help them deal with their feelings
- stay calm and don't offend
- encourage people to get help if they need it
- accept that your children might not listen to you!
Contact
See parent information and support.
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Last published: 07 Aug 2020 3:40pm
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