Grandparents as Parents: A Survival Guide for Raising a Second Family (Paperback)

by Sylvie de Toledo (Author), Deborah Edler Brown (Author) "Sometimes the call comes at night, sometimes on a bright morning..." (more)
Key Phrases: grandparent activist, foster care benefits, second parenthood, United States, Legal Aid, Pam Marshall (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal
A social worker and founder of Grandparents as Parents (GAP) support groups, de Toledo joined with freelance writer Brown to publish a practical guide for grandparents who find themselves responsible for raising their grandchildren. The first nine chapters deal with predictable and unexpected issues grandparents may face in their relationship with the child: effects on the grandparent's life, effects on other family members, getting help for a troubled child, and dealing with the child's natural parent(s). The pragmatic text is enhanced and humanized by relevant case histories. Subsequent chapters provide vital legal information as well as descriptions of support groups, and appendixes list various sources of support. Recommended for parenting collections in public and undergraduate libraries.
Kay Brodie, Chesapeake Coll., Wye Mills, Md.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Scientific American
Thank you for the opportunity to read through this manuscript. I was deeply moved. I found the writing to be an extraordinary, heartwrenching account of grandparents raising a second family. It is a profoundly sensitive guide that provides a fine blend of education, understanding and assistance for `when the second shift arrives.' What I most appreciated is that while somewhat alarming, it shows the real side of grandparenting--including those not-so-pleasant issues that most of these families will face. And it doesn't ignore the fact that the legal system often adds to the confusion and difficulty. Rather, it takes a step by step approach to getting through the system with an eye always on what's best for the child. The book answers many of the questions grandparents have asked us in desperation and confusion.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 322 pages
• Publisher: The Guilford Press; 1 edition (July 28, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1572300205
• ISBN-13: 978-1572300200
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #82,058 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent resource on a growing phenomenon, September 20, 1996

By A Customer

This review is from: Grandparents as Parents: A Survival Guide for Raising a Second Family (Hardcover)

Written by a therapist who has personal involvement with grandparents raising grandchildren and who has organized support groups for such, this book provides a thought-provoking look at a growing phenomenon. De Toledo dicsusses how these family units are created and identifies the needs of the individuals involved. She continues by describing the legal, governmental, educational and social welfare implications of such arrangements and encourages strong support sytems. Making this even more relevant is de Toledo's generous use of anecdotes and grandparents' own words. The book concludes with appendices of resources for grandparent caregivers and conversation topics for support groups. A bibliography and index are also provided. The book is available in both hardback and paper editions. As a grandparent who is raising three grandchildren, this reviewer found this book to be credible, insightful and informative.

5.0 out of 5 stars wonderfully helpful, January 17, 2009

By	Steven Krempel "mkayk55" (OH USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is a great resource for those who find themselves with a grandchild in their home. You can read it cover to cover or just look up what you need. You can find help and resources for the child that you may never have known was available to them, like 'kinship benefits' to help ease the burden of raising your child's child when your income's no longer what it was. If you are considering helping your grandchildren in this way, you will need this book.

3.0 out of 5 stars helpful for the novice, October 29, 2008

By	Donna G. Campbell - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I really do appreciate any new information that can be obtained on this subject. As a 5 year veteran of parenting my step granddaughter we have researced several sources for helpful information. For us the contact informantion in the back of the book was the most helpful for locating agencies etc. The information contained within the chapters, although helpful is not really anything new to us at this point. I was looking more for helpful situational information that could help us more with the daily raising and questions she has and how to approach them. I guess you could say more of a "How to" book on daily living with a 5 year old curious child. Again, for the novice or first time person seeking information it would be helpful.....