We cover topics that matter to grandparents - and parents - such as concrete ways to help new parents, understanding new trends in child care, and meaningful ways to connect the generations. The resources and products we offer foster open communication, encourage healthy boundaries, and equip new grandparents with the tools they need to become a supportive partner to their grandchild's parents. Sign up for our newsletter to find out why grandparenting isn't about spoiling the grandkids anymore. Parents welcome!
Don't ask me to play Go Fish
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“My parents never really play with my kids.” I get comments like this from parents on Instagram at least weekly. Although my account is aimed at new grandparents, I have a lot of parents who follow to see what I’m telling the grandparents. It gives me such a valuable perspective: knowing what the parents are dealing with in addition to what the grandparents are feeling. And one thing I know is this: some grandparents don’t play with their grandkids as much as parents would like. Confession: I might be one of them. Want my honest reason why? Playing with small children can be boring. Yes, I said it. And I meant it. I don’t want to pretend to be a puppy for more than five minutes. After four younger siblings and four children, I do not have another willing game of Go Fish left in me. If it’s pretend play or games I’ve played to death, I would rather be sitting on the couch watching my grandchildren play with each other or their parents. I might look like I’m not engaged, but I am tuned into them completely. Observing them at play helps me get to know them in a way that playing with them doesn’t. It wasn’t until I read The Gift of Play* by Judith Van Hoorn that I realized I do more than just observe. Reading stories, exploring math and nature, and enjoying art and music are all forms of play for children, and I love those activities. Play is the center of a child’s world, and it’s one worth entering into. Playing with your grandchildren supports their learning and development, of course, but it also creates memories and deeper bonds. For many grandparents, jumping in to play is easy and delightful. If you are a reluctant player like me, the key is to find the forms of play that you do enjoy. Next week, I’ll be sharing some tips on play from an expert, so now is a good time to consider where you fall on the playmate scale. Are you an enthusiastic playmate or a reluctant one? I’d love to know I’m not alone! Warm regards, P.S. If you want to make your time with their grandchildren richer and more meaningful, The Gift of Play* is worth a read. It even includes ideas for playing from a distance. DeeDee Moore | Founder, More Than Grand LLC | morethangrand.com Don't like how your name shows up in the salutation? Need to change your email address? Update your profile |
Calling all new grandparents! (and parents, too!)
We cover topics that matter to grandparents - and parents - such as concrete ways to help new parents, understanding new trends in child care, and meaningful ways to connect the generations. The resources and products we offer foster open communication, encourage healthy boundaries, and equip new grandparents with the tools they need to become a supportive partner to their grandchild's parents. Sign up for our newsletter to find out why grandparenting isn't about spoiling the grandkids anymore. Parents welcome!
Dear Reader, I apologize that I couldn’t reply to everyone who responded to last week’s email—the response was overwhelming! I did read each one, and it’s clear that there is a strong demand for more about what I learned at the summit on estrangement. Thank you to everyone who shared their stories—they help me better understand how to help you and others. Based on the volume of notes I took, Rachel Haack (@rachelhaack on Instagram and Facebook) was clearly one of my favorite speakers. She had...
To say the right thing at the right time, keep still most of the time. ~ John W. Roper Each Saturday, we send you a roundup of articles and resources that will help you be a better grandparent. We may receive a commission for purchases made through affiliate links in this email. This is an easy and much appreciated way for you to support More Than Grand! Growing as a Grandparent Do your adult children appreciate your advice? Jackie Kelleher writes about what a minefield giving advice to new...
Dear Reader, Last week I traveled to Chicago for a one-day summit on estrangement. While the city showed off with perfect weather and I met some incredible people, I can’t claim to have enjoyed the summit itself. It’s a heartbreaking topic, and the vast majority of attendees were parents who were estranged from their adult children. The room was filled with people desperate to find some new path towards reconciliation. My reason for going was simple: to be in the room with the leading...