Grandparents Raising Grandchildren:
Starting a Support Group

Grandparents who are raising their grandchildren are growing in number—about 5.6 million in the United States. The following information will give county Extension agents, other agency professionals, and grandparents themselves ideas about starting such a support group.

The main goal of a support group is to create a warm, non-judgmental atmosphere where members can share information and discuss concerns. Other primary goals are to promote fellowship and dispel the sense of isolation, give support and encouragement to others, share coping strategies, release negative feelings, strengthen self-esteem, concentrate on abilities but not disabilities, exchange ideas and resources, and make new friends.

A support group is not psychotherapy. There is no fee, and you do not have to be an active participant or attend regularly. While there are many joys and challenges that grandparents face raising their grandchildren, being part of a support group helps them to know they have help in meeting these daily challenges.

How will you start a support group?

• Target the specific population. Contact the local schools, social workers at hospitals, people working in the juvenile court system, and churches to get names of grandparents raising grandchildren. Send a flyer to these grandparents as well as placing it in grocery stores, pediatric offices, or other public places.
• Find a co-facilitator. A facilitator is the person who keeps the meeting on task and keeps the participants openly sharing with each other. This job can be very stressful and tiring. Having a co-facilitator who may relieve some of the pressure of hosting meetings and organizing sessions and may help you stay focused on the important matter—an open, sharing environment for caregivers.
• Select a meeting place. Find a place that is accessible to as many grandparents as possible. If child care is needed, try to have a separate room available. Good places to accommodate both of these needs might be churches, YMCA/YWCA, county Extension centers, or schools.
• Getting started. When you have a list of potential members, contact the grandparents by phone or in person to find the day of the week and time of day that most grandparents could attend. Let each person know when and where the meeting will be held.
• First meeting. This meeting should emphasize fellowship and getting acquainted. Inform the group of the purpose of the group. Decide on the time and place of the next meeting, topic, and format. Keeping it at a consistent time and day, like 8 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month, will help them remember.
• Confidentiality. Many attendees may not feel comfortable sharing information with the group unless they feel that their information will be held in strictest confidence. As a reminder of their commitment to privacy, have your participants sign a confidentiality agreement.
• Participation. Try to get everyone involved without embarrassing them. Some will be more anxious to share than others. They will benefit from each other’s experiences.

Topics for future meetings:

• Legal issues
• Financial benefits available
• Discipline at home
• Medical resources (Medicaid)
• Emotions (anger, stress, guilt and resentment)
• Helping the children to succeed in school
• The effects of second parenthood on your marriage
• What you can do to change the system

Members will bring up other topics, which you may pursue.