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Grandparent support groups hosting discussion panel on how being exposed to violence and addiction impacts children

Grandparents play a vital role in the lives of children.
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Grandparents are becoming the primary caregivers for grandchildren more often than in previous generations. STOCK PHOTO

Grandparents play a vital role in the lives of children.

We usually think of children visiting with their grandparents, having fun and then heading home again to mom and dad. But the reality for many grandparents is much more complicated than that.

In Canada more than 11,000 children are being raised by extended family members; more children than are in the foster care system. Very often, grandparents are raising their grandchildren. As the opioid crisis continues, those numbers are going up.

Grandparents face unique challenges in caring for their grandchildren and many feel isolated and out of sync with current trends in child rearing. Many of the children have experienced trauma and have had a less than ideal start in life.

For the past 11 years in partnership, the Comox Valley Child Development Association and the Comox Valley Transition Society have been facilitating a daytime Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Group. An evening Grandparents Group is provided by Upper Island Women of Native Ancestry.

On Wednesday, Oct. 4, the above groups are partnering to offer a free dinner and panel discussion on the impacts on children of witnessing violence and addiction. The event will be held at Courtenay Elementary School from 5–7:30. Dinner and child care are provided. This is a free event but registration is required by Sept. 28. Call 250-897-0511 to register.

The daytime Grandparent Raising Group meets on Monday mornings from 10 to 11:30 at the Transition Society, 625 England Ave. Courtenay. The evening Grandparents group meets on the last Thursday of the month, from 7:00 – 8:30 at Aboriginal Head Start, 956 Grieve Ave. Parking and access are at the back of the building.