Show 13: Grandparents These Days!

More and more grandparents are raising their children's children and here in Alaska, the Grandfamilies Network Project estimates that there are 5,000 grandparents in this state raising 8,500 grandchildren without either biological parent present. It's a lot of work raising kids, especially when you're older and you thought you were done raising a family, so how are these remarkable men and women making it work as modern grandparents?

IN-STUDIO GUESTS: Joining KTD Host Shana Sheehy in the studio are three special grandmothers, one of whom is guest hosting for this program.

• Nellie Moore, today's guest  host, is a veteran Alaska journalist who co-founded Native Voice Communications and hosted their flagship show, Independent Native News. Recently Nellie has been working with Syntax Productions, part of KTUU, assisting with film productions in rural Alaska, and she and her husband own a network consultation business, Bering Systems. All this and Nellie is also the proud grandmother of 7-year old twins.

• Linda Price is the coordinator of a local group, the Grandfamilies Network Project, that supports grandparents raising grandchildren. The project, part of the Volunteers of America, Alaska, provides support in the form of social get-togethers, support groups, a lending library, winter wear for children and a toll-free "warm line" 1-888-522-9866. Those seeking more information may also email Linda Price at: grands @ voaak (dot) org.

• We also meet two very special women who are part of the Grandfamilies Network - great-grandmother Rozann Kimpton, and grandmother Madeline Mason, who are both currently raising little ones. They share how the project has helped them navigate the challenges and celebrate the joys of raising babies a second (and third) time around.

FEATURED STORIES:

- Modern Grandparenting - KTD Contributor Jessica Cochran reports on the ways that modern grandparents, near or far, are playing important roles in the lives of their grandchildren - whether it's by preparing a weekly breakfast, trips to the zoo or library, providing daycare or reading favorite stories over Skype. [Full story]

- Foster Grandparents - Shana spoke with one local foster grandmother, Zandra Kinnie, about how she is making a huge difference as a part of the Alaska Community Services' Foster Grandparents program that matches service-minded seniors with children in need. [Full story]