- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- special kids today articles
- special kids today q&a
- community & groups
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
From Our Sponsors
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
A Special and Grand Relationship
Grandparenting a Grandchild with Special Needs By Sue Marquette Poremba
Sometimes grandparents are not physically or emotionally able to share the same type of relationship with their grandchild with special needs as they do with their other grandchildren. Grandparents need to admit this right away, but they should also be willing to develop a different type of relationship with their grandchild with special needs. Instead of a sleepover visit, take the grandchild for ice cream or a walkin the park. If the grandparent doesn't feel comfortable being alone and fully in charge of the child, ask the child's parent to stay in another room. That way, the grandparent and grandchild get some bonding time alone, but the parents are available.
"Living with a special needs child can broaden a family's life experiences," Dr. Sophy says. "However, the feelings of sadness, guilt or anger need to be identified so they don't become barriers. Open communication is vital. It is important to deal with your own frustrations, so it's not something the child deals with."