Dear Mom, Now that I have children and grandchildren of my own, I’m beginning to realize what a challenge it is to find the balance between encouraging them to continually strive to do better and instilling confidence in them and letting them know that I’m happy with their best efforts. I’d like to know your […]
Many couples are putting their children at the center of the family. This doesn’t sound like a bad thing, after all, aren’t your grandchildren the apple of your eye too? But when parents put their children ahead of their own needs, ahead of their marriage, it may seem child friendly, but it can lead to complications. When children are the absolute center of […]
Grandparents love indulging grandchildren, love surprising them, love giving them presents, and love seeing the smiles on their fabulous faces when they walk in the door. It’s so much fun! Isn’t it? A recent grandparent poll asked grandparents this question: Do you have a grandparent rival? 62% said, Yes I can’t help it and 38% said, No […]
The nursery rhyme “Doctor, Lawyer, Indian Chief ” is a great reminder that we don’t know what the future holds for our grandchildren. We don’t know in what directions our grandchildren will choose to walk. What we do know is that we are privileged to walk with them along their paths and share in their journey. Who knows, […]
A relationship isn’t like Grandma’s silver that you can take out of its box once a year to polish. It’s something that needs constant spiffying up. How you and your partner cope with these statements: I had a hard day or I have bad news to tell you can set the stage for how the two […]
Every now and then a children’s book comes along that sparks our imaginations and puts a smile on our faces and A Lot Of Otters is one of those books. The other day my sister called me to tell me how much she enjoys swimming with her grandson who has autism. She went on to tell me how much […]
Your loves name is more than a word. When you say his or her name aloud or in your head, it evokes everything, all your memories, all the time you’ve spent together, all the trips you’ve made, the children you’ve had, and the obstacles you’ve overcome. Some people only say their partner’s name when they’re […]
Every grandparent enjoys a unique position in their grandchildren‘s lives. You don’t have to strive to be special. You’re special by definition. You can come into your own as a grandparent, if you put your own distinctive stamp on your role by being inimitably who you are. If you do, you’ll find you have a devoted […]
What is more appropriate than birth for our beginning? A new child in the world offers a rich opportunity to honor the baby, the parents, the space where they will live, the already-existing siblings, the grandparents and extended family and friends. The actual birth process itself as well as preparation for it already creates special moments. As […]
You don’t have to teach your grandchildren how to bake a cake like the one in this picture of a Betty Crocker birthday circus cake. All you need to do is teach them a few simply things about cooking and how your kitchen gadgets work. Here are few suggestions to help you to think about what you and your grandchildren might […]
Kids are taking over the world and I’m not talking about all the doctors, policemen, politicians, and attorneys who seem to be getting younger and younger every year. I’m talking about children. Real children. More specifically, toddlers they could be your nieces and nephews, your grandchildren, your neighbor’s kids, or in some cases, even your own […]
Sometimes living with a toddler can seem like you are living in Seuss Landing? We all know how exhausting a toddler can be for both parents and grandparents. One of the best things you can do for your children is pinch hit when they need it and your schedule permits. Of course, you’ll also have to […]
There is one thing that all mothers can agree on no matter what their job title, income, number of children, education, religion, or location: They want to raise kids who are happy, confident , and self-reliant through childhood to adulthood. Sometimes stress and quilt brought on by the need to be the “Sacifical Mom” can end up interfering with their ability to achieve this goal. […]
The Power of Myths reminds me of the classic children’s story “Little Red Riding Hood” it has almost all the main features of one stereotyped image of a grandparent. Once upon a time, at the edge of a large forest there stood a tiny cottage almost hidden by the trees. In it a little girl lived with her […]
Having fun with our kids is like a slice of pie. Think about a pie not as a fruit pie, but as a pie of life with slices that define different, slices of family life. One slice is childhood, the next slice is the parenting years, followed by the early adult slice and the largest slice is the empty nest years. If we live out our average life […]
Throughout history moms have been applauded for their ability to do many different roles. Some moms are cab drivers. “I’ll pick you up after school.” No computer for one hour for hitting your brother. Still others fashion consultants: Don’t forget your coat its cold outside or great at compromises; tonight’s special is pizza or pizza. Which can […]
What are your top five family values? What traits do you hope your child or grandchildren will have as an adult? Using the following five strategies in the acronym “TEACH” can help you decide which traits really mean the most to you. T- Target the value you want to apply right this minute in your home. Focus on only one […]
Does Santa Claus still bring toys and gifts to good little boys and girls around the world? Sometimes children have doubts about Santa Claus and wonder if he is real. In 1897 a little 8-year-old girl named Virgina O’ Hanlon decided the way to find out if there really was a Santa Claus was to ask the […]
My youngest grandson is in his toddler years and I delight in him. His world is an adventure of discovery. He wants to taste, eat, smell and experience everything in his path. He is faster that a speeding bullet more powerful than a locomotive, Route 66 has nothing on him. Jesse is on the move and most of the […]
