Someone once said every time a child is born, a grandparent is born as well.

It's a good thing too, because these days, the role grandparents play is becoming increasingly significant.

Over the past decade, countless grandparents have become the primary caregivers of their grandchildren, causing a new concern with finances, health insurance, housing, education, child-rearing rules, discipline and family communication and relationships.

In Ohio alone, more than 86,000 grandparents report that their grandchildren live with them. Across the United States, 2.4 million grandparents have assumed the responsibility of their grandchildren living with them — many without the parent of the child being in the home. More than 6 million children — approximately 1 in 12 — are living in households headed by grandparents (4.5 million) or other relatives (1.5 million).

According to a recent AARP survey, the average age that a survey respondent became a grandparent for the first time was 48. The implications of this statistic translate into younger grandparents having more years to play an active role in the lives of their grandchildren.

Because raising grandchildren can be overwhelming, the following tips may help full-time grandparents cope:

Face your feelings: Raising grandchildren isn't easy. Besides being a lot of work, it can make you feel many emotions you don't want to feel. Make peace with them and yourself — you are doing the best you can.

Guard your health: You'll feel better — and do better as a caregiver — if you pay attention to your own health. Get regular check-ups, eat a well-balanced diet, take your medications as directed and get some exercise.

Take a break: Every so often, you need to rest and recharge your battery. Call a friend or relative and ask them to babysit for a few hours or find out about respite services in your area. Some agencies will get you a babysitter if you ask, while others will let you drop off your grandchildren at a special program for a few hours.

Ask for help: There are plenty of people out there willing to lend you a hand. Need financial help? Childcare? Legal advice? Parenting tips? Call your Area Agency on Aging, or Grandparent Resource Center to find out how to get the help you need. If staff people at the AAA can't help you, they may know someone who can.

Consider connecting with a faith community: Your church, temple or synagogue can be like a family to you. Congregation members help each other in times of need. And many faith-based organizations offer services, like child care and transportation, which you may find useful.

Join a support group: Share your feelings with understanding, like-minded people, make new friends and get information and services that will help you cope with your new parenting role.

Have some fun: Put some fun back in your life for a happier, healthier outlook. Read a good book, plant a garden, join an exercise class, take up an old hobby, or surf the Internet. Finding something that makes you smile will make you feel better and benefit your grandchildren as well.

Regardless of whether your "grandparenting" is biological, adoptive or in a foster role, a child out there needs your positive influence and guidance. What a gift it is to have another chance to leave an indelible mark on tomorrow's grandparents.

S

tan Kappers is

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xecutive

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irector of Mount Pleasant Retirement Village.