This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Ruth Olinger, 70, who is raising her grandson on her own in Lakeland, Florida. Olinger had earlier fostered dozens of children and did mission work. Now, Olinger said she can’t retire and paid over $10,000 for her son’s day care. This interview has been edited for
This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Cynthia Gonzalez, 58, who is raising two of her grandchildren in Tucson, Arizona — one since she was a baby, and the other since age 11. Business Insider also spoke with Serina Palacio, her 40-year-old daughter, who helps raise them. This interview has been edited for
