Grandparent as Psychological Parent

If you, the grandparent, will be raising your pregnant daughter's child, you are a "psychological parent".  Building a Parenting Agreement That Works: Child Custody Agreements Step by Step (by Mimi Lyster Zemmelman) defines this as

"an adult who has formed a significant emotional bond with a child by contributing substantially to the child's care and upbringing.  These parents are sometimes also called 'functional parents.'  Psychological parents are not legally responsible for the care or support of a child, nor are they automatically entitled to custody of, or visitation with,  the child."

Since you, the grandparent, are not a legal parent of your grandchild, we strongly urge you to pursue formal and legal guardianship of any grandchildren for whom you are the primary caregiver.  Legal guardianship usually requires "a court order so that schools, hospitals, and other institutions understand that the guardian [you] has the legal right to make decisions about the child."

You may also find it helpful to read the chapter "Should we adopt the baby?" in our book "How To Survive Your Teen's Pregnancy".

Have questions? Want to talk about this post or other issues? Write a comment, join us on Facebook, or talk with us on our Grandparent Support Group!