Can Retired Grandparents Homeschool Children? By Veronica Scott

There are any reasons that explain why some parents would rather have their children home schooled rather than do it the conventional way. Such reasons could be due to children having special needs or it may be a personal preference of the parent. In case parents need to discipline the child or get additional support, grandparents come in handy to assist ion inculcating discipline in the children. Parents who work part time but want their children to benefit from home schooling can ask grandparents to come in and offer help. Traditionally, the role of home schooling children was vested in parents in most states but a new trend is emerging where grandparents are taking up the role. The kind of home schooling offered by the grandparents usually depends on the laws of the state in which they live.

Grand parents who want to lend a helping hand in the education of their children should put in mind a few things. The environment in which a child studies should be ideal and this can be ensured by the grandparents remaining focused and disciplined. The focus on teaching and learning should be maintained up until the end of the school day. It is also advisable for the grandparents to have effective communication with the child's parent as it helps to maintain consistency. One should try to follows the rules and discipline measures that have been put in place as well to make sure that the process of home schooling runs smoothly.

Splitting educational responsibility between the grandfather and grandmother can also help the learning process. The division of tasks should be done on the various areas like writing, history, reading metal work and wood work. When dividing the subjects to be covered, the grandparents should first consider their abilities. Grandparents should also educate themselves in the latest curriculum as the kind of education offered in schools changes over years. This will have the grandparents familiarize themselves with the current curriculum as well as the educational requirements if the child is to get the education they require. Coordinating and developing a routine will also help the grandparents home school the children effectively. This can be done by a collective joining of forces with the parents of the children and the grandchildren.

Grandparents can home school their grandchildren in different situations. Such situations that may allow homeschooling include if they live in the same district where the children school. If grandparents live in a different school district or if they live in different states, it may call for frequent travelling. Grandparents can even travel with their grandchild and home School them along the way. All, of the above situations have different requirements that have to be met if the homeschooling is to be effective. When homeschooling children, grandparents and parents might disagree on the best method of teaching. A good advance plan should help the two parties come to an agreement. The parents should also make sure that they get involved in the homeschooling process and include learning during weekend activities, evenings as well as holidays.

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The Scoop on Grandmothers By Kristina Von Rosenvinge

Recently I came across a wonderful new book "Eye of my Heart". Barbara Graham, a noted writer herself, asked 27 writers to "reveal the hidden pleasures and perils of being a grandmother". There is not much literature out there for us grandmothers living in the 21st century. We are a much more diverse group then our grandmothers were. When I read "Eye of my Heart" I could relate to the struggles and joys these 27 grandmothers talked about in their stories. I have six grandchildren - three girls and three boys - two are local while four are in two different parts of the country. Although each story is unique I found myself being able to relate because I also am a grandmother.

I am familiar with the writings of a number of the authors. Yet to read their personal stories about being grandmothers feels like being allowed a glimpse into their families. The stories are touching and real and depict the diversity of family life. They talk about the struggles of working out the roles between adult children and grandparents, what to be called, how to decide when one is too involved or not enough, and the sheer joy of being a grandmother.

What makes these stories so good is that they are written by women who write from the heart. Each one of us who is a grandparent has a story to share. When I grew up my maternal grandmother lived with us. I am delighted that I have two grandchildren living nearby whom I see frequently. Yet, I know, that I like the freedom that my husband and I have of not having grandchildren living with us. I am more in touch with the legacy my grandmother has left. I know I am keeping parts of her alive because they are part of me. I find myself baking things she used to bake and showing caring like she used to. At the same time I am defining my own role in being a grandmother as did all the other grandmothers in "Eye of the Heart". The most important ingredient is being able to give love to the grandchildren and getting it back while being respectful of their parents.

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How to Visit Your Grandchildren Legally By Veronica Scott

It is common to find grandparents sharing a very special bond with their children. However, not all parents get this privilege due to factors like death and divorce which make them loose their visitation rights suddenly. The factors may affect one's ability to take care of their grand children as well. Grandparents are allowed by law as well as individual states in all fifty states of the USA to visit their grandchildren and this helps to make matters easier for some of them. In 2002, the Supreme Court of the US took a decision that authorized grandparents to visit their grandchildren regardless of where they live without limitations from the parents.

The constitution states that grandparents who want to visit their grandchildren legally should submit a credible petition before their state's Superior court. A number of factors are considered before the grand parents are given any legal permission. Such factors include the applicant's relationship with the child's parent, the applicant's relationship with the child, the child's preference, criminal and mental records. The court also has another very important criterion it considers before granting visitation rights; will the child stand to benefit from the visit or not. Other considerations that the court may take into account are if harm is shown, the effect of the visit on the relationship between the parent and the child, parent's marital status and adoption after step-parent.

The first step one should take if they want to visit their child legally is to learn everything about these laws that govern the State in which the child resides. In all the fifty states, the grandparents are not given the rights to visit their grandchildren automatically but in a few of them, one can get an attorney dealing with family law to ask for the visitation. In the above state, the final decision lies with the judge after taking into consideration the family situation. In other states, the courts are in charge of upholding visitation laws and grandparents have to convince them beyond reasonable doubt that they should be allowed to visit their grandchildren.

Choosing to go to court can be costly and grandparents should use other means first before they decide to take that path. One of the ways the issue can be resolved is by asking for one's visitation rights to be included in the divorce agreement if the parents of the child are getting a divorce. Alternatively, one can use a mediator to help all parties to come to a reasonable agreement that will not cost them much. Mending one's relationship with the parents of the child can help one get to visit their grandchild as well. One should also try to keep in contact with the child and this can be done through the sending of gifts and cards as well as telephone calls. After one has done any of the above, they should keep a record so they can prove to the judge or mediator that they are interested in the welfare of the child. If all of the above fails and court is the only remaining option, one should go for only an experienced lawyer who deals with family law. Grandparents have a significant role to contribute in the growth of their children. It is therefore vital to ensure that an excellent relationship exists between parents, children and grandchildren.

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