Grandparents Rights With Grandchildren - Because It Takes A Village

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Angela_Montgomery]Angela Montgomery
Let's begin with the premise that laws are not for those who naturally live by them. Laws serve one purpose only...to protect those who live by them, from those who do not. It would follow then, that because we now live in a society where 800,000 children are abused and/or neglected each year, making grandparents rights with grandchildren into federal law is not just a good idea... it's an idea whose time has come.
According to Divorce.com, marriages have declined by 30% and divorces have increased by 40%. That means if you're a parent, you've got a one in two shot of having your child's marriage end in divorce. The dream is that they'll handle it with maturity and grace... always putting the children first. The reality - in far too many cases - is much, much darker.
In the worst situations, 1,800 children die each year from that abuse or neglect. Sadly, more than 75 percent of those victims are under the age of four years old. Child protective agencies get more than three million referrals and allegations. Statistics on child abuse and neglect are staggering, with 10.6 children in 1,000 being a victim of abuse or neglect.
Where there is an involved grandparent, statistics on child abuse/neglect do a vertical nosedive.
If you are the grandmother of a child whose been torn from your arms out of spite, misdirected anger, mental instability/illness, or a desire to start a "new" family and wipe the slate clean, statistics don't matter. Your grandparents rights with grandchildren are ALL that matter. Except they're almost impossible to get. For now.
If you are a grandparent blessed with loving and unfettered relationships with your children and grandchildren, get on your knees and thank your Higher Power. If you're a grandparent agonizing over the loss of a grandchild whose been taken from you, get on your knees and thank your Higher Power that as long as this child lives, hope remains.
In either case, get back up on your feet... there is work to be done.

Get involved. Learn more about child advocacy beyond just grandparents rights with grandchildren. Participate in online forums, or join local groups that discuss the issues facing children.
Take the conversation outside. Write letters to the editor talking about grandparents rights with grandchildren, and about abuse and neglect. Raise the topic in casual conversation. Many people will get behind you, they may just not have thought about the issue. Bringing it to light can help to recruit someone else to help the cause.
Be aware. Learn to know what the signs of child abuse and neglect are. When you see the signs, report them. Be willing to speak out for them.
Get involved in the legal process. Supporting various lobbying groups, such as those that work for child abuse legislation or legislation dealing with grandparents rights can make a big difference.

With enough advocacy and awareness, we can put a federal law on the books stipulating to the wisdom of Grandparents rights with grandchildren... because it takes a village.
Angela Montgomery is Chief Editor for GrandparentsRights911.com. She is a leading authority on grandparents rights and tirelessly advocates for laws granting the rights of children to have a loving relationship with their grandparents. For more information, resources & support on [http://www.grandparentsrights911.com/what-about-grandchildren-rights/]grandparents rights with grandchildren visit the site at [http://www.grandparentsrights911.com/]http://www.grandparentsrights911.com.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Grandparents-Rights-With-Grandchildren---Because-It-Takes-A-Village&id=6476606] Grandparents Rights With Grandchildren - Because It Takes A Village