Three Generational Families

The following blog is by Mark Morris. #grandparents

Grandparents raising their grandchildren is not a new phenomenon. Grandparents have always had a desire to do what was best for their children and their grandchildren. In America today there are nearly 3,000,000 children that are being raised by their grandparents.

Life has not always been kind to these kids and they have been placed on a rocky road towards adulthood. Studies have shown time, and time again that these children are much more likely to have experienced traumatic events that will influence their development, according to the report published August 3 Online in the journal called Pediatrics.

For example, children living with a grandparent lead household are six times more likely to have a parent or guardian who has served time in jail and four times more likely to have lived with someone who has a drug or alcohol problem.

By the school age of 6 to 17 years, these kids almost are twice as likely to be diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, commonly called ADHD, and they are five times more likely to be found to have ADHD during preschool years.

In today’s world, there is a new area of grandparents raising their grandchildren that is growing rapidly. It is the area that we call “Three Generational Households”.

DATA has shown there is a significant jump, approximately 30% increase in the number of children living in three generational homes since 2001. Children who are black, Hispanic, and Asian or more likely to live in three generational homes compared to white children. And these children are more likely to live with a single parent rather than two parents. The study that was done by The Bronfenbrenner Center for transitional research at Cornell University has said that even within three generational homes, financial well-being is diverse. In homes with two parents and grandparents the parents are more likely to own the home, suggesting that the grandparent moved into the parents home.

These homes or households of three generations, or more likely to experience poverty. The ownership pattern sheds light on, “The who is helping whom” one of the researchers explained.

Based on this information it is difficult to determine how these living situations will affect the long-term well-being of grandparents, parents and children, without understanding the circumstances of each situation.

For example, when a teen mother lives with their parents and their child Studies have shown that the mother has a greater chance of finishing school and becoming financially independent.

In the church, this is a great opportunity for us to show the love of Christ. These families that are going through this struggle are feeling many types of emotions. This is something that no family plans on, but no matter how good of home we provide no one is exempt from these types of situations. It presents a great opportunity for the church to minister and show compassion and understanding. It’s a greater opportunity to show the grace of God as the body of Christ.

If you are in this type of situation, you may feel all alone, but just remember that God has placed that precious child in your home at this time because Jesus feels you have a lot to offer and you can be the blessing they need. I’m convinced if we will give them the love of Christ without pointing fingers of condemnation and guilt, they will have a lot greater chance of being successful Apostolics. God bless till next time