Grandparents can be a powerful force on the healing team. Their support and encouragement can lift a heart and spur a weary parent on to tackling another day helping to heal a wounded child. Their message of love should be clearly focused on the parent as the mother and father head the team to help the little one.

Encouraging cards, filled with uplifting words, are a tremendous tool. Hugs are a simple outreach of love that mean much more than words. Grandparent’s ears and eyes tuned in to see and hear a struggling parent who needs to vent can be the release valve that’s a turning point. A casserole or baked goods filled with nutrients, love and compassion can fill up a drained parent as they struggle to provide healing opportunities for their child. Hiring household help can be a gift much appreciated by your loved ones.

Unasked for advice, criticism and doubt have no place on the healing team. Grandparents who have been successful helping to heal children with RAD should, of course, be available to answer questions asked. Grandparents who have raised normal healthy children must trust and encourage their children to seek counsel with those experienced in the field.

As the parent is the “surgeon” to mend the broken heart, the grandparents can stand at their side throughout the stress filled, intense time, not distracting but helping the parent to focus on the life saving task. The demonstration of love that the child sees from the grandparent to the mother & father can be an unforgettable learning experience about relationships and love.

In the beginning stages of bonding the child’s nurturing must be focused between the mother and the child. As the child gets healthier, they then can accept love from others in a beneficial way. Before that time the grandparents’ powerful love must be shared through the parents’ hearts. Grandparents make a difference!