Review: The Grandparents' Handbook is a very enjoyable and informative read for any grandparent who wants to have some fun with their grandchildren. Not only does it have fun ideas on what to do with your toddler grandchildren, but it also gives you a "refresher course" on how to deal with and handle little babies. I am sure the memories of, for example, how to calm a crying baby, how to change a diaper or even the good old nursery rhymes will come rushing back. Or how about top tips to make bath time fun for little guys? Safety tips to make grandparents' house a safe place for little people or even time-out strategies. A lot of today's grandparents are young at heart and want to enjoy their grandchildren. I really like the varied activities that this book has to offer to this new generation of grandparents: There is a great section on indoor and outdoor fun and games, such as play pirate for a day, planning a scavenger hunt or for the older child, hold a mock election. The Craft … [Read more...]
Long-Distance Grandparents: How to Stay Connected with Your Grandkids
When everyone was younger, it was a bit easier to keep in touch. Now that grandparents are getting older and so are the kids, the times spent together are few and far between. Here are some suggestions for grandparenting long-distance style. Don’t resign yourself to being out of your grandchildren’s lives because they don’t live close anymore. Travel and age may restrict you to once or twice a year, but the rest of the time doesn’t have to sit idle. Tips to stay connected with Grandchildren Make a phone call – If it’s one thing that kids like it is to talk on the telephone. Invest in a family plan that allows you to call them often but for less money. When they are little, allow them to call you once a week. You may even take the initiative and give them a call. Ask about their day and what is going on in their lives. Don’t forget to make birthday and holiday calls. Use video calls – Skype is a popular way to make video calls free of charge. All you need is a webcam on your … [Read more...]
How to Bond with Your Teenage Grandchildren
The teenage life is hard. Kids are going through a lot of emotional and physical changes. They need the stability of family to help them stay anchored. This includes grandparents. When kids are small, grandparents are like the best people ever. While parents have to be the disciplinarians, grandparents can be the ones who enjoy having fun with their grandchildren. It is fun to sit and talk or play games for hours on end at grandma’s house. What happens when kids get older, especially the teenage years? It can put a strain on the grandchild/grandparent relationship. Teens are growing up. They are caught in the space between childhood and adulthood. Spending time with others their own age might be preferable since they at least understand them. But, as family members and grandparents, you don’t have to become obsolete. You are still a vital part of their lives. You just have to adjust your position to one that is favorable to your grandchild. Here are some ideas for bonding … [Read more...]
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