Almost everyone is aware of Mother's Day, and Father's Day, but a growing numbers of Grandparents are taking on the role of Primary Caregiver to their grandchildren, making Grandparents Day more important than ever.
The Census Bureau released the following statistics related to Grandparents, whose celebrated day is tomorrow, September 8th. On Sunday, celebrate your Grandparents! These startling numbers inform us of the important role an increasing number of Grandparents play in many children's lives.
The History of Grandparents Day - In 1970, Marian McQuade initiated a campaign to establish a day to honor grandparents. In 1978, President Jimmy Carter signed a federal proclamation, declaring the first Sunday after Labor Day as National Grandparents Day. This day has been celebrated every year since in honor of our nation's grandparents. The Census Bureau presents updates of statistics about their role and responsibilities in our society.
7 million
The number of grandparents whose grandchildren under age 18 were living with them in 2011. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2011 American Community Survey.
2.7 million
The number of grandparents responsible for the basic needs of one or more grandchildren under age 18 living with them in 2011. Of these caregivers, 1.7 million were grandmothers and 1.0 million were grandfathers.
594,000
The number of grandparents responsible for grandchildren under age 18 and whose income was below the poverty level in the past 12 months compared with the 2.1 million grandparent caregivers whose income was at or above the poverty level.
Median income for families with grandparent householders responsible for grandchildren under age 18. Among these families, where a parent of the grandchildren was not present, the median income was $33,627.
1.9 million
The number of married (including separated) grandparents responsible for caring for their grandchildren.
1.7 million
The number of grandparents in the labor force responsible for their own grandchildren under age 18. Among them, 338,000 were 60 years or older.
657,000
The number of grandparents who had a disability and were responsible for their grandchildren.
5.5 million
The number of children under 18 living with a grandparent householder in 2011. Nearly half, 48 percent or 2.6 million, were under age 6.
10%
Percentage of children in the U.S. living with a grandparent in 2012, totaling 7.1 million.
It's Official
14,821
The number of nursery, garden center and farm supply businesses with paid employees in the U.S. in 2011. The forget-me-not was named the official flower of National Grandparents Day by the National Grandparents Day Council.
59,458
The number of musicians, singers and related workers employed full time, year-round, in 2011. "A Song for Grandma and Grandpa" was named the official song of National Grandparents Day in 2004 by the National Grandparents Day Council.
Hugs to all Grandparents on Grandparents Day, September 8th!