Grandparents

All throughout human history, grandparents have raised the young while parents supplied the basic needs for survival. Parents and grandparent served as a family "team" supporting and nurturing the young. … Among grandparent caregivers, 39 percent had cared for their grandchildren for 5 or more years. Although many speak fondly of the ways in which their grandchildren enrich their lives, the demands of parenting late in life often come on top of mounting health problems… Grandparents cope with far more than the usual demands of parenthood. One grandmother said, "It has not been easy. Sometimes we feel a little bitter because our anticipated freedom has been taken away." …Many grandparents faced with raising a grandchild experience ambivalent feelings. They also have to deal with the reality that taking on the responsibility of caring for a grandchild will turn their lives upside down. This decision is further influenced by their personality type, values, priorities, life circumstances, how much time and effort will be required to raise a grandchild, how much help and support they can count on from their family and society, … their health, housing situation, and the amount of responsibility assumed and/or authority they have. …Naturally, the lives of grandparents undergo great change... Instead of spending time with their friends, they become immersed in the social life and schoolwork of their grandchild. Caring for your grandchild challenges your generational identity. It is difficult to maintain your grandparent identity while acting as a parent.

What about the grandchildren? Studies find that children (without serious pre-existing problems) who are raised by grandparents are healthier than children in single parent or remarried families, have fewer behavioral problems and are better adapted socially. …have found that children raised by grandparents tend to be less rebellious and more understanding and grateful than other children.

1 Timothy 5:4 New Living Translation (©2007)
But if she has children or grandchildren, their first responsibility is to show godliness at home and repay their parents by taking care of them. This is something that pleases God.