‘90s FAMILY : Grandparents Taking on Parental Roles More Often

Grandparents assumed the roles of parents in an additional 150,000 cases last year, the American Assn. of Retired Persons reported last week.

The number of children raised by their grandparents in households with neither parent rose to 1,017,000 in 1993, contrasted with 867,000 in 1992, the AARP said.

That rise, the organization said, is significant because it places an additional burden on grandparents who are already faced with problems of their own such as failing health or limited income.

The AARP study, “Going It Alone: A Closer Look at Grandparents Parenting Grandchildren,” also found that in most cases in which grandparents were the primary care givers, women were more often parenting grandchildren than were men.

“Circumstances have placed an enormous responsibility on grandparents,” said Bernice Shepherd of the AARP at a news conference.

Grandparents are assuming responsibility for many reasons, including AIDS, substance abuse, incarceration, divorce or battering-related deaths that affect the children’s parents, she said.

1st Semester Can Be Scary for College Freshmen, Parents

Going away to college can be both frightening and exciting. But kids--and their parents--can survive that difficult first semester, says Muhlenberg College’s director of counseling.

“Most high school seniors are fearful of leaving their old friends and scared they won’t meet new people,” says Linda Bips, director for Counseling and Development at the Allentown, Pa., college. “They don’t realize that their world is about to open up with new experiences and friendships.”

Bips says the start of college is also a difficult time for parents. She has this advice: “Try to step back and believe in your son or daughter’s ability to be an adult.”

And for college freshmen, she has these suggestions:

* It’s OK to feel scared, lonely and homesick during those first days and weeks on campus.

* Bring some of your favorite possessions from home, anything that makes you feel more comfortable in your new surroundings.

* Join a club or participate in an activity you enjoy. Make the effort to get out of your room.

* Have patience. Students often don’t make close friends until the second semester.

* Stay at school several weekends in a row. Give yourself at least six weeks to adjust. If you want to see your family, invite them to visit you.

* If you’re really feeling down, talk to a school counselor or student adviser.

America’s Best Nanny Will Go to L.A., Washington

Full-time child-care providers with at least three years’ experience may compete for the title of “The Most Wonderful Nanny in America.”

The winner, who will be announced Dec. 6, will receive trips to Los Angeles, for a visit to the set of CBS’ “The Nanny,” and Washington, to discuss child-care issues with policy-makers.

Applications can be obtained by sending a self-addressed stamped envelope to “The Most Wonderful Nanny in America,” 4200 Wisconsin Ave. N.W., No. 765, Washington, D.C. 20016.