Over 70,000 or 7% of Kentucky children live in households and are raised by their grandparent or close senior relative according to the AARP Foundation.  This is one of the highest rates in the nation.  No to mention, this figure does not include those situations that are unreported. A major reason why so many grandparents are raising young children is due to the child’s biological parent using drugs and/or alcohol resulting in their inability to parent a child.  Other reasons include death, incarceration, financial struggles, and unfit living environments.  Often, the relative raising the child is faced with many unique challenges.  Understanding how to communicate and engage youth in an ever changing technological world can be difficult especially for grandparents.   The Licking River Area FCS Agents felt the need to offer a training for Grandparents Raising their Grandchildren at their annual Fall Leader Training day to the Licking River Area Homemakers. This lesson was taught by Shannon Smith, CEA for FCS Bracken County.   There were 10 counties present, 8 Agents, and 103 Homemakers.  The purpose of this training was to educate the grandparents or relatives about the University of Kentucky Education and Resources and provide support.  The lesson consisted of going over the publications available through UK and each agent was given a copies that they could make when requested. Next, we went over age appropriate activities to do with their grandchildren.  Shannon had a display of many things to do and the homemakers were very engaging with her, many offering ideas they do with their own grandchildren.  When polled at the end of the session, 95% stated they were grandparents, of this group 5 % said they were raising their grandchildren but felt when they took it back to their clubs in the 10 counties the number would be higher.  85% said they enjoyed the training and found it helpful.   Most felt they were the traditional grandparent and take on the teaching role with their grands.  When asked to share an activity they enjoy with the grandchildren answers ranged from baking, singing, puzzles, reading, games, birthday celebrations, taking them to church, spending time, sewing, and outdoor adventures.   Whether substituting for a parent or simply being a grandparent spending quality time with young children is vital to their growth and development.