Sometimes life changes quickly, and a grandparent, older sibling, or another family member becomes the primary caregiver. While this is an incredible act of love, it is also a huge transition for everyone involved.

This session is designed to address the unique challenges non-traditional caregivers face and to explore how they can best provide mental and emotional support to children. We will talk about the hard parts of this transition, like managing role changes and handling family stress. We will also focus on how to support a child’s mental health while making sure you, the caregiver, have the support and resources you need to keep going.

Join MHA and ASU for this 60-minute session where we will discuss:

• Navigating role changes: Discuss the challenges of shifting from a relative to a primary caregiver and how to set new boundaries.

• Supporting the child’s mental health: Learn why children in these situations may act out or feel confused, and how to help them feel safe and steady.

• Caregiver stress: Talk openly about caregivers’ mental health, including exhaustion, burnout, and how to find specific support for your situation.

• Available resources: Identify where kinship caregivers can find help, from support groups to financial or legal guidance.