Empowering Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

This manual is a 14-session workshop designed to help grandparents who are raising their grandchildren alone. Group leaders can revise and expand upon the themes presented here to fit the needs of their particular work groups. Some of the main issues that are explored are: useful tips for grandparents on how to communicate effectively with their grandchildren on all topics ranging from drugs and sex, to sexually transmitted diseases; helping them learn how to deal with loss and abandonment issues; helping them develop and maintain self-esteem; dealing with special behavior problems; and appropriate ways of instilling and maintaining rules in the home.

Designed to complement To Grandmother's House We Go and Stay, it is very reader-friendly and easy to understand, and can be read by anyone who has assumed a parenting role of any sort and is interested in raising a happy and healthy child.

Introduction: Project Description and Guidelines

1. Understanding Empowerment
2. Helping Children Build Self-Esteem
3. Communicating with Children, Part 1
4. Communicating with Children, Part 2
5. Dealing With Behavior Problems
6. Talking with your Grandchild about Sex and HIV
7. Talking with Your Grandchild about Drugs
8. Dealing with Loss
9. Dealing with a Childís Grief and Loss
10. Navigating the Service System
11. Legal and Entitlement Issues
12. Developing Advocacy Skills
13. Getting Your Message Across
14. What Did We Learn?
References and Resources
National Organizations
Index