Old-fashioned fun: 4 summertime games to teach grandkids

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Old-fashioned fun: 4 summertime games to teach grandkids

Considering the Covid confinement of the past, well, let’s just say too long, there’s never been a better summer to relish outdoor recreation time with the grandkids. Why not seize the opportunity to share some old-fashioned fun with the youngsters by way of teaching them a few classic games of our youth.

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7 tips for gardening with grandkids

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7 tips for gardening with grandkids

There’s something invigorating about getting one’s hands dirty then appreciating what comes (or might come) from the earth. For kids especially, gardening can be an ideal way to counteract the electronic and artificial stimulation bombarding them on a daily basis.

Here are seven tips to ensure your grandchild’s curiosity with the natural world grows right along with the goodies you plant together.

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Stroll with a goal: 8 ideas for walks with grandkids

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Stroll with a goal: 8 ideas for walks with grandkids

Spring has sprung! So put on your walking shoes, gather up a grandkiddo or two, and hit the road—or sidewalk, as the case may be—for one of these springtime strolls with a goal.

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How to Be Present: a 'First-Time Grandmother's Journal' excerpt

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How to Be Present: a 'First-Time Grandmother's Journal' excerpt

In my book, The First-Time Grandmother’s Journal, I offer writing prompts to help new grandmothers dig deep then capture their thoughts on matters that matter in the months leading up to a first grandchild’s birth and the child’s first year.

I also provide bits of advice to help new grandmas navigate their new role—advice even seasoned grandmas can appreciate and apply—such as the following two-page spread on being present.

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Four books, two reviews: Must-get reads for grands

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Four books, two reviews: Must-get reads for grands

I recently shared reviews of some super story books on Instagram and Facebook that I’d be remiss if I didn’t share on my blog as well. These books are that good (I thought my reviews turned out fairly well, too, the first in large part due to adorable Benjamin).

Take a look:

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Stand Up to Bullying, Grandma Style

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Stand Up to Bullying, Grandma Style

A guest post for International Stand Up to Bullying Day, by Neve Spicer of WeTheParents.org.

Grandmas are great teachers. They have the experience and the time to help in raising good kids. When it comes to potential bullying behavior, you want them to think about what they have done and eventually realize it makes them the bad guy, not the hero.

Today, November 20, is International Stand Up to Bullying Day. Make the day meaningful in your grandkid’s lives.

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Brayden, T1D, and a warning for grandmas

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Brayden, T1D, and a warning for grandmas

It’s taken me more than a month to figure out how to share this news. It’s serious and breaks my heart, yet I don’t want to come across as despaired. I hope to warn others but wish to not seem alarmist. And I want to share the challenge confronting my oldest grandson and his parents every single day forever going forward without suggesting I have any doubt they’re up to it.

My daughter, Megan, is so up to it, in fact, that she provided me the perfect tool by which I can share the news without racking my brain for the right words, right sentiment. That tool being the video below.

See, my grandson Brayden, the active and healthy 12 year old who first made me a grandma, who …

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How to be the best babysitting grandparent ever

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How to be the best babysitting grandparent ever

Kids just want to have fun, especially when spending time with a babysitter. Parents primarily want their kids to be safe. And therein lies the challenge for grandparents who have secured the babysitting gig: finding the perfect balance between delighting grandchildren while pleasing their parents.

Master the challenge—and be the best babysitter ever—by considering the following tips.

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Gifts for grandkids: 7 gift giving no-nos

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Gifts for grandkids: 7 gift giving no-nos

The Christmas my middle daughter was about 4 years old, she received the most adorable, soft-bodied baby doll. We called it “Laughing Baby,” because when the doll’s tummy was pressed, she’d let loose an infectious giggle that would set my daughter into giggle fits galore. It was precious—the first 320 times. Then it was simply obnoxious and in need of silencing.

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