Tips for introducing grandkids to gardening

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Tips for introducing grandkids to gardening

The recent warmer days are likely to have grandparents and grandkids eager to dive into outdoor activities. As you set out to set up this year’s garden, find ways to get grands in on the action, too.

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How to survive being a long-distance grandma to a baby

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How to survive being a long-distance grandma to a baby

I first fully grasped the definition of the word 'bittersweet' in late 2007, when I learned I was going to be a grandmother. I was thrilled to have a grandbaby on the way, but it literally hurt my heart to know I'd be only a minor player in the baby's daily life, due to how far away my new grandchild would live.

Yes, I was a long-distance grandma from the get-go. I’m still a long-distance grandma to the one who first made me a grandmother. To his two brothers, as well.

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Family-friendly ideas for summer fun with grandchildren

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Family-friendly ideas for summer fun with grandchildren

Warm, sunny days are the perfect setting for making family memories, but they’re also ideal opportunities to encourage grandkids to get creative and let their imaginations soar.

These ideas for summertime activities encourage family interaction, and the more kids get to help plan and organize the details, the more engaged you can expect them to be.

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30 'firsts' only grandparents celebrate

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30 'firsts' only grandparents celebrate

There are numerous firsts in a child's life worth celebrating. The milestones Mom and Dad mark, though, likely aren’t the same ones Grandma and Grandpa celebrate.

Here are 30 firsts in the life of a grandchild that warm a grandparent's heart and warrant a happy dance.

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2020 Christmas

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2020 Christmas

I hope everyone managed at least a smidgen of comfort and joy during their holiday festivities. As with most families, Jim and I drastically limited our time gathering with our …

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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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11+ things grandmas do when no one else wants to or can (2020 edition)

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11+ things grandmas do when no one else wants to or can (2020 edition)

Several years ago I wrote a post on things grandmas do when others won’t. Upon publishing that, many experienced grandmas commented with additional tasks to add to the list.

I’ve intended to update that post to include those comments for quite some time and have simply never gotten around to it. But considering the amount of spare time Covid restrictions have afforded most of us, I’ve finally done it.

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July Fourth during Covid

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July Fourth during Covid

I hope everyone managed to eek out at least a little fun over the holiday weekend, despite Covid restrictions continuing to muck things up.

Jim and I spent the Fourth of July with this little firecracker…

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Getting to know you …

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Getting to know you …

During this time of physical isolation, video chats with my grandsons are for me, like with many grandmas, a saving grace. They not only let me see those faces my heart misses so — the long-distance ones as well as the one belonging to my local love bug — the sessions allow me to get to know the boys in ways not possible in face-to-face real-time rendezvous. Trying to keep conversations flowing provides telling insight … and some fun musical performances too.

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PAW Patrol!

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PAW Patrol!

PAW Patrol

Benjamin has something to share with you: his love for a DVD I recently received free for review.

Head to my Back Room — where I post all my reviews — to see Benjamin’s sheer delight upon screening Paw Patrol: Mighty Pups Super Paws. (I simply adore that kid’s smile.)

GRAND Social No. 381 link party for grandparents

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