Raising grandchildren
Raising your grandchildren full-time can be very rewarding but also challenging. At times you may feel physically and emotionally drained and question your ability to cope. Don’t give up—there is support available.
Time for Grandparents program
The Time for Grandparents program organises free day activities and camps for children, giving you a break. They also organise free overnight support and respite camps for you and your grandchildren.
The ‘grandfamily’ camps for children and their grandparents provide:
- safe and enjoyable recreational activities for both grandparents and grandchildren which are run by qualified instructors
- information sessions on parenting issues, finances and legal matters as well as a range of individual and group counselling sessions
- information about your local support systems and services available in your community.
Phone the Seniors Enquiry Line on 1300 135 500 for information and bookings.
Support groups
A Grandparent Support Group is an opportunity to make new friends and get advice and information from other grandparents in similar situations.
Grandparents Raising Own Grandchildren provides referral, support, social contact and networking for grandparents raising their grandchildren. Phone (07) 5483 1212.
Grandparents and Grandchildren Society is a lobbying and advocacy group addressing legal and financial issues that affect grandparents' ability to provide care for their grandchildren. Phone (07) 5474 3705.
Grandparent Advisers have been introduced in selected Centrelink Customer Service Centres to support grandparents with full-time caring responsibility for their grandchildren. You can also get support by calling the Family Assistance Office on 13 61 50 or visiting the Family Assistance website.
Reducing the cost of living is a comprehensive guide to concessions, retail discounts, rebates and assistance to help you manage your budget and save money.
Helpful resources
The Grandparents Information website can put you in touch with relevant services, support groups and programs.
The Seniors Enquiry Line can provide you with information, advice, support and referrals on topics such as parenting, legal, financial, family conflict, health, child care and counselling support.
Read tips for raising children of various age groups.
Know the child restraint laws for children under 7. You can hire a baby capsule or have your own child restraint installed by the Queensland Ambulance Service.
Learn basic first aid skills for children at a Queensland Ambulance Service course. Book online and save 10%.
