The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) reports that there are eight times as many children in grandparent-headed households as in foster care, with half of children being raised by grandparents younger than age six.

Across the country, children in grandparent-only households fare worse economically compared to children who live in homes headed by their parents.

Nationwide, households headed by grandmothers have a mean household income of $19,750, or about the poverty level for a family of four. One in three Colorado children being raised by grandparents lives in poverty.

Grandparents take over for adult children

There are many reasons for the increase in children being raised by family members other than their parents. One big reason is the phenomenon of the "lost generation," people of childbearing age who are addicted to drugs or alcohol, have been incarcerated, or have lost custody of children because of abuse or neglect.

Some grandparents raising a grandchild experience ambivalent feelings, while others see the situation as a blessing and are grateful for the opportunity to form a deeper bond with a grandchild. Energy, optimism, laughter, activity, love, youthfulness and satisfaction are the gifts the children can bring to grandparents' lives.

Many grandparents also think children benefit from their intimate involvement in the child's successes, as well as the family support and consistent encouragement they can provide to the children. They also see their grand parenting role as an opportunity to use wisdom and continue family traditions that otherwise might be lost.

It is important to have a clear understanding of the things that are out of their control, too. Grandparents cannot keep children from feeling sad and angry, and they will not be able to make the child a straight "A" student overnight. Another thing out of their control is the rehabilitation of their adult child.

Health issues may arise in both parties

Even though grandparenting can be very satisfying, some grandparents acknowledge feelings of shock and sadness, low energy levels, financial obligations that exceed their income, and legal issues.

Researchers document high rates of asthma, weakened immune systems, poor eating and sleeping patterns, physical disabilities, and hyperactivity among grandchildren being raised by their grandparents.

Grandparents raising grandchildren also have poorer health than their peers, with rates of depression that are two times as high.

Health tips for grandparents:

Keep up your own health. Get regular checkups and follow your doctor's advice. Try to get an adequate amount of sleep and do not skip meals.

Walk or exercise three times a week for about 20 minutes. This reduces physical tension.

Insist on a regular quiet hour. Children can take naps or have a quiet time in their rooms. Teens can listen to their music through earphones. Learn to relax during this time.

Talk out your problems with understanding friends or other grandparents.

Contact: Elisa Shackelton, CSU Moffat County Extension Office, 539 Barclay St., 824-9180.

This article is modified from "What Does Grandparenting Mean Today?" by Janet Benavente, Colorado State University Cooperative Extension agent, Family and Consumer Sciences, Adams County.