Raising your grandkids full-time? Here’s what you should know

(Aging Untold) — For many grandparents, the role shifts from spoiling and sleepovers to full-time, day-in, day-out parenting. It’s a transition that can bring deep love and purpose — but also real stress on time, money and energy. The Aging Untold experts are breaking down what grandparents need to know when they suddenly find themselves raising their grandkids. “First thing, breathe” When grandparents suddenly step into a full-time parenting role, gerontologist “Sam” Cradduck said the initial instinct should be to slow down and acknowledge the shift. “First thing, breathe,” Cradduck said. “You’re not a babysitter. You’re now in the role of molding another human being.” More than 2 million grandparents are raising grandchildren in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Cradduck said whether the circumstances stem from tragedy or something else, grandparents need to be patient with themselves. “You’ve got to give yourself grace to get through this,” Cradduck said.