University of Wisconsin - Extension

MADISON, Wis.--If you are a grandparent raising a grandchild or grandchildren or a relative who has assumed the responsibility of raising a relative's child, you have an important responsibility. To help you think about your relationship with the child a series of nine fact sheets has been developed entitled, Through the Eyes of a Child -- Grandparents Raising Grandchildren. The fact sheets are designed to help you learn more about what to expect and where to turn for support. They are tailored specifically for grandparents and relatives raising young children from birth to age 8.

The fact sheets were written from the perspective of the child within these relationships and discuss the topics of understanding children's behaviors, the importance of close relationships and open communication. Grandparents provided feedback on the fact sheet series and children provided beautiful color drawings to bring the series alive. They can be downloaded at www.uwex.edu/relationships .

Research documents that grandparents who are raising their grandchildren need accurate information to assist them in their new role and responsibilities. Dr. Julie Poehlmann, Assistant Professor, Human Development and Family Studies, UW-Madison and Dr. Mary Brintnall-Peterson, Professor and Program Specialist in Aging, UW-Extension developed the fact sheets to assist grandparents and relatives in understanding how attachment relationships influence their grandchildren's behaviors.

For more information, visit the Grandparenting Today web page on the UW-Extension Family Living Programs web site at http://www.uwex.edu/ces/flp/grandparent .

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http://www.uwex.edu/ces/news

File: Senior Communique, Senior Issues