Grandparents Babysitting for Special Needs Grandchildren

15 Sep Grandparents Babysitting for Special Needs Grandchildren

Psychological Articles by Boomeryearbook.com

Grandparents babysitting Special Needs Grandchildren

Grandparents are often more deeply attached emotionally to their grandchildren than they are to their children. Psychological articles that deal with the issues faced by grandparents who find themselves in a position of responsibility with special needs grandchildren might recommend expert help. Such help might take the form of counseling or even ‘hands on’ assistance to help with the physical strain of handling a small child who might not be receptive to normal discipline.

As we get older, psychological articles acknowledge that we experience certain physical limitations which might prevent us from becoming as involved as we might wish with younger children. When children are unfortunate enough to have certain disabilities, either physical or mental, it is sensible to be aware of the perimeters of activity that are possible for a carer who is no spring chicken and perhaps not as agile as they might be.

Psychological articles address the difficulties faced by babysitting grandparents and make generalizations with reference to the help available but the bottom line is that you have to make your own assessments as to whether you are fit enough to take care of an energetic child who might or might not do as they are told and not rely upon advice in psychological literature which might address the wider aspects of the problem.

Caring for Autistic Grandchildren

Autistic children are a particular challenge for elderly babysitters. When dealing with autistic children, it is absolutely imperative to be on the same wave length as the person with parental responsibility. Psychological articles that cover the subject of child care for autistic children recommend an in-depth study of the child’s behavior in company with the parents, to ensure a proper understanding of the child’s particular needs.

Autistic children tend to ‘fixate’ on a particular toy or theme and stick with it, sometimes for prolonged periods. Although it is occasionally possible to distract an autistic child from his or her particular ‘thing’ it is better to try to work around the child’s routine and try to fit in with whatever the child is used to. Many psychological articles mention a particular preference for certain textures – some autistic children have a horror of scratchy fabrics or pliable dough – you just have to try to stay within the boundaries of what is acceptable for each particular child.

Grandparents who have been recruited as babysitters need also address their own needs up to a point. Most psychological articles recommend grandparents as ideal and affectionate babysitters. However, kneeling on the floor and playing with blocks for three hours is going to leave you more than slightly sore and highly unlikely to want to baby-sit again in the near future! Make your own requirements absolutely clear to make sure all is understood by everyone from the beginning, to avoid misunderstanding and discord.

This Psychological Article on Grandparents Babysitting for Special Needs Grandchildren is part of Boomer Yearbook’s continuing series of baby boomers psychological coaching tips and how to alleviate elderly problems. We believe knowledge is power. We’d love to hear what you think.

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