Friends and Family

Grandparents - Parents' Place

Summary: Advice for grandparents about caring for blind or partially sighted children.

Grandparents are important
Difficulties
Listening and supporting
More information

Grandparents are important

In some families, grandparents can be the main source of support available to parents. Parents, children and other relatives may look to you for support and encouragement.

If you're a grandparent, just being there for the child is a great source of help. You may need to be sensitive about what level of support to offer and how much to get involved.

Difficulties

In some families, relationships are difficult and there can be strain when a child with sight problems arrives. Grandparents are affected in similar ways to parents by the birth of a disabled child. This can involve emotions like shock, anger, fear for the future and sadness.

You may sometimes feel left out by professionals, as they may pay more attention to other members of the family like parents, brothers and sisters.

Listening and supporting

As a grandparent, you may feel a strong need to care for the child and sometimes it’s hard to know when to back off. Don't be afraid to offer support, but it can help to listen to the parents and asking them what they need.

You may also have different opinions about how to care for the child. For children with disabilities, it helps if everyone treats the child in the same way.

More information

RNIB can help you find more information, and there are other websites that have information and groups for grandparents.