Relatives Raising Relatives

Across the United States, more than 6 million children are being raised in households headed by grandparents and other relatives; 2.5 million children are in these households without any parents present. As the children's parents struggle with substance abuse, mental illness, incarceration, economic hardship, divorce, domestic violence, and other challenges, these caregivers provide a vital safety net to children inside and outside of the foster care system. This fact sheet provides important information and resources for the grandparents and other relatives raising children in your state.

Since many remarriages include children from previous relationships, step-families or blended families are more common than ever. When families "blend" to create step-families, though, things may not progress smoothly. Some children may resist changes, while you as a parent can become frustrated when your new family doesn't function like your previous one. While changes to family structure require adjustment time for everyone involved, these guidelines can help your blended family work through the growing pains. No matter how strained or difficult things seem at first, with open communication, mutual respect, and plenty of love and patience, you can develop a close bond with your new stepchildren and form an affectionate and successful new family.

10 Signs of a Healthy Co-parenting Relationship

Co-parenting, sometimes called joint parenting or shared parenting, is the experience of raising children as a single parent when separation or divorce occurs. Often a difficult process, co-parenting is greatly influenced by the reciprocal interactions of each parent. Co-parenting requires empathy, patience and open communication for success, which can be difficult for couples who've encountered marital issues. However, placing the sole focus on your children can be a great way of helping to make co-parenting a positive experience. This article helps families by discussing 10 signs of a healthy co-parenting relationship.

Books to Help Children Understand Family Change

Every child is bound to experience difficult events as they grows up: a family member becoming ill or passing away; a divorce or separation; a move that takes them away from the familiar comfort of home.

When complex situations arise before a child develops the ability to express emotions, books can help children feel less alone and more at ease with feelings like anger, frustration, or sadness. While a book can’t make everything better, stories often provide a great way to connect with children and help discuss difficult topics. This book list includes a number of great children's book that deal with adoption, divorce, separation, and other family change events.