Raising Your Grandchildren: Faith for Grandparents Who Said Yes

October 30, 2026

Many grandparents are raising their grandchildren, often because of a parent’s addiction, incarceration, illness, death, or other hard circumstances. If that’s you, you said yes out of love, and now you’re carrying a season you didn’t expect: school runs at 65, homework you don’t recognize, and grief all mixed together.

God sees what you’re carrying

Mordecai raised his young cousin Esther “for he had brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther… whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter” (Esther 2:7). That child became the queen God used to save her people. Your faithfulness matters.

It’s okay to grieve

You may be grieving the retirement you planned, a grandchild’s lost parent, or the struggles of your own adult child. Grief and love can live in the same heart. Bring both to God.

Practical help

Look into kinship care programs and support groups in your area. Many offer guidance and financial help.
Ask your church specifically: rides, childcare, tech help for schoolwork, or a night off.
Take care of your own health: keep your appointments and take your medications.
Connect with other grandparents raising grandchildren. You’re not the only one.

Caring for the children’s hearts

Don’t speak badly about their parents in front of them, even when it’s deserved.
Let them grieve and ask questions.
Give them stability, routine and a lot of love.
Pray with them and over them.