Grandparent Rights: 5 Valuable Tips For When You Must Make The Journey Alone

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Angela_Montgomery]Angela Montgomery
Living by yourself at this stage in life has its own distinct challenges. Still, with age comes wisdom and there are wonderful trade-offs for the lack of spring in your step or color in your hair. The blessings of friends and family become so very much more precious as the years begin to make their mark. Thus, should it become necessary to fight for the health & welfare of your grandchildren, know that one grandparent speaking for their rights is enough...YOU are enough.
Because the road will be difficult at best, it's important to keep the following five helpful tips in mind:
1. Get off your back & remember "HALTS". You're going to be facing some massive obstacles and tough times ahead. There are going to be days when you wonder if you're doing the right thing. This is when you must remember the acronym HALTS. When you get too Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired or Sick, it's time to be still. Stop all activity and nurture yourself completely. You must refill the gas tank.
2. You will need emotional support as much as you need air to breathe. When you have a partner, you have a built-in support system. When you're advocating for grandparent rights alone, you MUST get that support elsewhere. Put together a small group trusted friends, family members, and/or co-workers who will be your staunchest allies in this cause to give your grandchildren a voice.
3. Reach out to others in the same boat. There are thousands of other grandparents out there who ache to be reunited with their grandchildren. They can be a great source of strength, encouragement and advice. Networking with others through online forums, community organizations or religious groups benefits everyone involved and brings ever more light & attention to the cause of Grandparents Rights.
4. Educate yourself. Remember, "knowledge is power". Organizations like the Grandparenting Foundation and the National Center on Grandparents Raising Children can be tremendous educational resources for you. There are also a growing number of ebooks, courses, and other educational opportunities available online.
5. Acceptance is key. Remember the WHY. Your fight for your Grandparent Rights will likely be long and hard. It will take a significant amount of your time, energy and money. Even in the best of circumstances and armed with a mountain of evidence, you might lose the legal battle. Do it anyway. Leave your grandchildren a legacy of love...and of standing up for the rights of those who cannot.
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/grandparent-rights/]grandparent rights visit the site at [http://www.grandparentsrights911.com/]http://www.grandparentsrights911.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Grandparent-Rights:-5-Valuable-Tips-For-When-You-Must-Make-The-Journey-Alone&id=6433950] Grandparent Rights: 5 Valuable Tips For When You Must Make The Journey Alone