Raising Grandkids in Retirement (UMTV)

Summary

After raising their own children, Ray and Christine Rice, both in their 60s, unexpectedly find themselves raising their grandchildren, Christina, 12, and Cocina, 17, after their mother’s breakdown. The couple, who retired to enjoy their golden years, now navigate the challenges of caring for the girls. With the support of their small church community, which helps with everything from home repairs to counseling, the Rices have created a safe environment for the girls. The church’s efforts aim to support grandparents raising grandchildren, often due to issues like substance abuse, death, or illness in the parents.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ray Rice, 66, expected retirement to be relaxing, but now raises his grandchildren due to family circumstances.
• 😀 Christine Rice, 69, had planned for leisure time, but now supports raising her grandchildren after their mother faced a nervous breakdown.
• 😀 The Rice's grandchildren, 12-year-old Christina and 17-year-old Cocina, came to live with them after their mother lost her home.
• 😀 The Rice family and their grandchildren are adjusting to the generational gap in behavior and communication.
• 😀 The grandchildren help with chores, and the Rice family also receives support from their church community.
• 😀 The Rice’s church, Firmin United Methodist in Chicago, has a small but strong group of families in similar situations.
• 😀 Many grandparents raising grandchildren at the church have dealt with challenging circumstances such as alcohol abuse, drug abuse, or the death of a parent.
• 😀 The church provides valuable support to retirees raising grandchildren, including computer training and help with home repairs.
• 😀 The church is also working on providing mental health resources, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors.
• 😀 Fun outings like movie and pizza nights are organized to bring joy to the grandparents and their grandchildren.
• 😀 The church aims to set an example for other faith groups, promoting inclusivity and opening doors to help all families in need.

Q & A

Why did Ray Rice retire earlier than planned?

Ray Rice retired earlier than planned to stay home and take care of his grandchildren after their mother had a nervous breakdown and lost her home.

How old are Ray and Christine Rice?

Ray Rice is 66 years old, and Christine Rice is 69 years old.

Who are the grandchildren the Rices are raising?

The Rices are raising their 12-year-old granddaughter, Christina, and their 17-year-old granddaughter, Cocina.

What challenges did the Rices face in raising their grandchildren?

The Rices faced challenges due to the generation gap between them and their grandchildren, especially in terms of how the girls act and talk.

What motivated the Rices to raise their grandchildren?

The Rices were motivated by a desire to help their grandchildren avoid living in a shelter, as they didn't want them to experience such hardship again.

What support does the church provide to grandparents raising grandchildren?

The church offers support in various forms, including computer training, help with home repairs, and other resources, as well as organizing fun outings like movie and pizza nights.

What are some of the reasons grandparents may find themselves raising grandchildren?

Grandparents may end up raising grandchildren due to reasons such as alcohol or drug abuse, the death of a parent, or other crises that affect the children's biological parents.

How does the Firmin United Methodist Church support grandparents raising grandchildren?

Firmin United Methodist Church supports grandparents raising grandchildren by providing resources such as counseling, psychiatric help, school guidance, and fostering a sense of community through shared activities.

What is the significance of the church’s involvement in raising grandchildren?

The church's involvement is significant because it recognizes the unique needs of grandparents raising grandchildren, offering emotional, social, and practical support to help them manage these responsibilities.

What does Burwood want to demonstrate through the church’s actions?

Burwood wants to set an example for other faith groups by showing that when a church says it is opening its doors, it should truly open all of them to those in need, including grandparents raising grandchildren.