By Laura Lee Leathers
Do you know any grandparents who have adopted their grandchildren? Could it be that you are facing this monumental decision? More than 2.4 million U.S. children are being raised by grandparents or other relatives, according to Psychology Today’s “The Hidden Epidemic: Grandparents Raising Grandchildren” (April 17, 2025) by Dr. Deborah Heiser.
Heiser writes that the reasons (and thus the length of time) grandparents care for grandchildren vary widely. Also, “Limited resources and the fact that they’re often taking on these care roles suddenly (mean grandparents have) to navigate new territory that is often overwhelming, isolating, and emotionally draining.”
Causes behind “The Hidden Epidemic” include neglect, substance abuse, death, mental health issues, abandonment, prison, and military duty. Unlike when I first became a grandparent in 2000, today I know grandparents who have adopted their grandchildren in the hopes of providing family stability and a loving environment.
Biblical counseling
I reached out to Bruce Hosket and his wife, Kim, with Renew Ministry. Bruce has over 38 years with French Camp Academy in French Camp, Mississippi, as a teacher, coach, and administrator. Kim has also taught and worked in other capacities at the school. Together, they counsel couples dealing with various life scenarios.
“Adoption at this age and stage of life (as grandparents) requires tremendous work,” Bruce says. “Additionally, it takes a significant amount of support and commitment from others.”
Through their counseling ministry, the Hoskets have seen that many grandparents adopt out of guilt, blaming themselves for their grandchild’s circumstances. The Hoskets suggest that instead of the grandparents adopting, it should come from a generation below them, maybe an aunt or uncle of the child. Then the grandparents offer support and respite. This also releases grandparents to fulfill their role of grandparenting all their grandchildren.
Kim added, “Finding help is not failure. We need a burden lifter, someone who can help with structure and accountability.”
Visit fcarp.org/renew for more information, or contact Bruce at bhosket@renewministry.ms or 662-770-0509.
Preparation and guidance
What should you consider if faced with the decision of whether to raise a grandchild?
- I once heard a pastor say, “You can always go to God’s Word for answers.” God tells us to seek first His kingdom (Matthew 6:33), ask Him for wisdom (James 1:5), and take everything to His throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16).
- Seek godly counsel from your pastor. In your church, are there other grandparents who have been or are now raising grandkids? Are there members who can babysit, offer respite care, provide transportation to school, or assist with homeschooling?
- Do your homework, research, prepare, and plan. What support groups are available? Listen to Christian podcasters who are addressing the topic of grandparents adopting.
- Is there an organization that can come along beside you? Contact The Baptist Children’s Village, French Camp Academy, or Methodist Children’s Homes of Mississippi, to name a few.
- If a support group is not in your area, consider starting one at your church, creating a Facebook group, or hosting a regular Zoom meeting.
- Most of all, be realistic!
Unexpected joys and blessings
Many grandparents have traded in the travel and leisure of retirement to impact their grandchildren’s lives and have found immense joy, blessings, a sense of purpose – and most of all, the ability to show God’s love in unexpected ways.
“The Hidden Epidemic” doesn’t need to be hidden any longer. God can bring healing to grandparents and grandchildren the second time around.
Laura Lee Leathers is a writer and speaker. Imagine Lois Lane, over 65, living on a farm. Her metropolis is the area of freelance writing. Her primary love interest is the Word of God. She digs for information, interviews fascinating people, offers a cup of biblical hospitali-tea, and encourages, and helps others with the how-to’s of life. Visit LauraLeeLeathers.com.