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30/12/2013

BBC Radio 4 - Bringing up the Grandkids

Aasmah Mir meets the families in which grandparents are bringing up their grandchildren.

Aasmah Mir meets some of the families in which grandparents are bringing up their grandchildren and experiencing the highs and lows of parenthood the second time around.

Aasmah Mir meets the families in which grandparents are in sole charge of bringing up their grandchildren, and experiencing the highs and lows of parenthood the second time around.

For around 100,000 children in the UK today Gran and Granddad are Mum and Dad - and sometimes that's even what they call them. Grandparents can provide children with love, security and a sense of belonging when parents are not able to.

There are very different circumstances that lead to children living with their grandparents. Sometimes it's because a parent has died, but it can also be because of parental drug or alcohol abuse. Other common reasons include abuse, neglect, parental illness or a very young mother.

According to the Family Rights Group, the benefits outweigh the downside, and in many cases being looked after by their grandparents can be a happy and secure experience for the children involved - their best chance at a successful future. Meeting and spending time with some of these families, we hear very different stories of family life.

Producer: Beth O'Dea.

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

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