At 61, After Raising 3 Kids, She’s Starting Over for 2 Grandsons Who Need Her

A sudden change in work

Davidson worked in construction and hotel housekeeping, including laying bricks and painting houses with her uncle. After hurting her back and shoulder at work in 2015, she went on disability and says she earns $997 a month.

Her husband, a 66-year-old electrician, earns $18 an hour, or about $615 a week after taxes. Davidson says the limited income has made life difficult for the couple.

Taking in her grandsons

Davidson’s daughter had two sons, now 11 and 8, both born with medical issues. Davidson started caring for the older boy when he was five months old, after he was found in unsafe conditions and was unwell.

His mother went to jail and signed a notarized paper giving Davidson custody, but the process took time. When the boy was 3, a court granted Davidson custody. She took in the younger grandson straight from the hospital.

The couple did not consider foster care. Davidson said her husband chose to take the boys in, drawing on his experience raising two of his own children by himself.

Making a tight budget work

The couple used to go wherever they wanted, Davidson said, but now they seek activities they can afford. They have taken the boys hiking and camping, pastimes Davidson enjoyed growing up.

The family began receiving child support through the state six months ago: $236 a month for each boy. Davidson says some of the money goes toward their needs, and they set aside part for college savings.

Davidson’s parents and aunt have helped with birthdays and holidays. Her mother gives each boy $20 a month, which Davidson says she saves in their piggy banks.

Teaching discipline and confidence

Davidson says she has tried to raise the boys with honesty and discipline. She uses timeouts and takes away their phones, while her husband is more lenient; she also encourages the boys to work for what they want.

One grandson has struggled with confidence after classmates told him he was not smart. Davidson says she has encouraged him to believe he can go to college and have a future. He keeps a journal of his goals and the steps needed to reach them.

The couple tries to save for things the boys want, including gaming systems, and speaks openly with them about finances. Davidson says she knows they make sacrifices, but believes they should be able to enjoy being children.