Helping care for grandkids? We’ve got you. Whether you’re among the 6.8+ million lolos or abuelitas raising your children’s children in your home or the 2.3+ million omas or nonnos supporting your grands in other ways, we see you — and we are grateful for your loving influence.

That doesn’t mean it’s easy. You’ve raised your own children, and times were different then. Phones didn’t fit in your pocket. You couldn’t buy something or talk to someone an ocean away in just a few seconds.

Besides all the changes in technology, you’ve added some years to your life since your parenting era. That changes what you can do in this role. Even if you have energy and time to spare, your health is important — and maintaining it means you can be around for all their milestones.

We know there are many honorary grandparents out there: aunties and uncles, great grandparents, and grand friends looking out for young people in their lives through church and other community touchpoints. We see you too!

And we’ve created this list of resources to keep you and your grands happy, healthy, and laughing together for years to come.

Help Is Out There (And It’s OK to Take It!)

From financial to emotional support and everything in between, here are some of the organizations and people in your neighborhood – local, virtual, and national – who are all about intergenerational relationships.

Remember this: accessing these supports does not mean you’re incapable or “needy.” These programs are designed to keep grandparents and grandkids going, and they’re honored and ready to help.

Generations United

The Generations United Resource Library is a treasure trove of grandparenting supports from SNAP programs to respite options.

AARP’s A Guide to Grandparenting

AARP has collected and curated a number of articles on relevant topics, from setting tech limits and online safety, to addressing mental health needs and finding fun ways to connect.

Grandfamilies Fact Sheets

Hosted by Grandfamilies.org, the Fact Sheets page gives you access to a map of the US. Tap on your state to find a great breakdown of the resources available. Search by state here.

Navigating Support for Grandparents

This section of the GovFacts website offers an extensive look at national programs tailored to grandparents raising grandchildren.

Get Help: 211

No one wants a crisis, but knowing what to do in one is key. If your grandchildren are struggling with mental health/behavioral needs, get to know what the 211 website and system (part of the? United Way) offers. Learn more on their main page or caregiver page here.

Staying Strong for the Long Haul

Even if you love every minute of helping your grandkids, caregiver burnout is real — and it can sneak up on you. By tapping into these community-based and online resources, you’re taking an important step towards self-preservation, and teaching the next generation why you must take care to give care.

Here are 5 quick tips for playing the long game:

1. Find people who are in similar circumstances and connect. Text, call, chat in the school pickup line, cry and hug in the church parking lot. It doesn’t matter how or where, as long as you’re making connections so you feel less alone. And that goes for those moments when you need a compassionate ear or a strong hug, or when you want someone to celebrate a win with you.

1. Set aside “me” time for Mema and Papa. It’s OK to say no to your kids if they ask you to cover a night, weekend, track meet, or school pickup that just doesn’t work for you. It’s OK to say yes to taking a long nap or going away with friends instead. It doesn’t matter if they’re teens or toddlers: grandchildren are capable of bringing great joy and also great exhaustion!

1. Define what’s yours and what’s theirs. The emotional aspects of caregiving are often overlooked and their impact is underestimated across the board — not just among grandparent caregivers. Make sure you’re not carrying too much of a heavy load there, and that you’re reaching out to local support groups, social workers, or therapists to help with challenging behaviors or relationship dynamics.

1. Have fun! Remember, no matter how much responsibility you have for these precious young people, you are still a grandparent. Creating special memories doing simple things together is one of the most important parts of this relationship. So if you’re driving them back and forth from school or sports all the time, have a singing competition in the car. There may be serious challenges in this role, but creating fun rituals around everyday events can lighten the load for all.

1. Keep your health appointments. Yes, we know you’d rather take your grands to the doctor than go there yourself. But if you want to keep caring for them and chasing them around the yard, you have to prioritize your wellness.

Let Us Be Part of Your Grandfamily

ArchWell Health is here for you — supporting you with social workers, nutritionists, and providers who care about what matters most to you. And yes — that means we want to see all your pictures of the babies and big kids making you proud!