The Joy and Wisdom of Grandparenting
You may have noticed how family conversations have shifted lately, with friends sharing photos of tiny hands and first smiles. When your own child tells you they are expecting, the news can feel both familiar and completely new. You remember raising a child yourself, yet this moment asks something different of you. You now stand … Read more
There’s a rhythm to life that settles in as you get older. It’s not something you plan, it just sort of happens. The days aren’t empty, they’re just quieter, and somehow filled with smaller things that end up meaning more than you expect. As a grandparent, I’ve noticed that my days are less about rushing … Read more
There’s something about quiet time that feels different as you get older. It’s not empty, like people sometimes assume. It’s full, just in a quieter way. Your mind drifts more, not because you’re distracted, but because you finally have the space to think without rushing off to the next thing. As a grandparent, those moments … Read more
I think becoming a grandparent changes your days in ways you don’t really expect. It’s not just about having more family around, although that’s a big part of it. It’s more the way your time shifts. Things feel a bit slower, a bit more thoughtful. You’re not rushing through everything in the same way, and … Read more
Becoming a parent is one of life’s most meaningful milestones, but it also brings a range of legal responsibilities that many families do not fully understand. New parents in California often focus on practical preparations like childcare and finances while overlooking important legal topics such as parental rights, custody frameworks, and paternity recognition. Learning about … Read more
A modern grandma’s guide to dodging expectations BY JUDY SMITH When I became a grandmother for the first time, 24 years ago, I was given a gift from a dear friend. A giant container of cookie cutters. A lovely idea, right? Not so fast. Here’s the problem: I don’t bake cookies. Never have. Never will. … Read more
Memories of Nana BY JACK KLAUDER My Nana, a remarkable woman, had some extraordinary traditions I recall fondly half a century later. One was what we called the “Juice Bar.” This was the fun practice of ordering a very unusual drink from her. “What would you like from the Juice Bar?” Nana would ask. The … Read more
When to talk to a teenager about a grandparent’s dementia BY GARY SOLOMONSON A story told to Gary Solomonson, dementia coach and storyteller, is included in his forthcoming book, Gathering Seeds for the Dementia Season. As a young teenager, I often played touch football with friends in my hometown park in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Although … Read more
My grandma was one of my favorite people. I never lived near her, so I didn’t see her every day, yet I think that made her even more special to me. She was the only grandparent I really knew, and she was an inspiring figure in my life. Grandma was from Indiana, and her dad … Read more
Interview With My Granddaughter BY ELYSE PELLMAN My husband and I love spending quality time with our family, particularly as we live far from each other. Recently, we had the good fortune of vacationing in Florida with our two grandchildren (and their parents!). I wanted to gain Maddie’s, my 19-year-old college student granddaughter’s, views on … Read more
Grandparent Advice Don’t pamper the baby, Don’t run to each cry; Don’t rock that new infant And don’t lullaby; Don’t coddle or cuddle, That’s all there is to it! Don’t spoil that sweet baby, Let us grandparents do it! – Mary R. Hurley Here are a few more (serious) bits of advice for … Read more
The Grandparent Advantage BY ADINA WAMBUA When AnneMarie White was a child, she learned to speak Spanish before learning English at school. Her grandfather was from Spain. Her grandmother, a member of the Cherokee tribe, anchored her to her Native roots by teaching her about her Native culture and heritage. Her grandparents instilled in her … Read more
BY CHRISTINE CROSBY Sir Richard Branson, the iconic billionaire entrepreneur, has recently added another milestone to his impressive life story. This time, it’s not about conquering the skies or launching groundbreaking ventures but embracing the joys of becoming a grandfather for the fourth time. With four young grandchildren already in the fold, Sir Richard shared … Read more
Special, time-sensitive announcement for GRAND subscribers! Save 20% on GrandparentsAcademy.com Spring Masterclasses when you enroll by March 31. Our partner and 2022 GRANDparent Best of the Best Resource GrandparentsAcademy.com has put together a catalog of 14 amazing Masterclasses designed to help grandparents like you get the most out of your GRAND years. These courses feature … Read more
