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!
"Has a witch put a spell on him?" and other important questions
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Hello, Reader! A couple of months ago, we gathered with my extended family for my mom’s birthday. It was the first time I’d had all my children and grandchildren together in well over a year, and it was a glorious long weekend. One of my daughters brought along her boyfriend of nine months. We all liked him a lot. While I was walking down the street with my grandson (not quite eight years old), he asked me if they were married. “No,” I told him. “Do you think she should marry him?” He quickly came up with four questions that every prospective mate should have to answer: “Has he ever stolen anything?” I’m glad to report that the boyfriend was able to answer all the questions to our satisfaction, though he did admit that he might not know if a spell had been cast upon him. This conversation was one of those memorable exchanges that make talking to children so rewarding. When you open up time to ask questions and then really listen, you never know where the conversation will go. Sometimes though, we are so intent on finding things to DO with our grandkids that we don’t leave time to just BE with them. Make time to ask them about their thoughts and feelings. Go for a walk. Let them help you in the kitchen. Lie on the grass and watch the clouds. Set up a time to video chat one-on-one. Ask them questions that will interest them (not always the same as asking questions about their interests!) and then really listen to them. Our latest blog post shares some tips on asking questions that engage your grandchildren—as well as why it’s so important to start the habit of conversation while they are young. You can read it here. Warm regards, Speaking of conversations, I love when you reply to these emails! DeeDee Moore | Founder, More Than Grand LLC | morethangrand.com |
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!
Hello, Reader! Do you like to read? If you’ve been around here for a while, you may know that reading is one of my favorite pastimes. I average about 100 books a year, in almost every genre, both fiction and non-fiction—though I am still a reluctant reader of fantasy sagas. I hate getting in a rut, so one day I may be reading a Jack Reacher thriller and the next a book of essays by Alice McDermott. Check out this screenshot from my Goodreads account to see what I mean. I’m not telling you...
Dear Reader, The basket of beach towels and sunscreen is still by the door. There’s a stray sock under the couch. The pantry is still stocked with Nutella and rice cakes. But the people I love are gone. The days that my house is full of my children and grandchildren are the highlights of my year. But those days are so few, and they always end too soon. The emptiness that surrounds me when they leave is—there’s no other word for it—heavy. I try to fill it with washing sheets and putting away...
Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.~ Robert Brault 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 When you first heard your new grandchild's name, did your heart sink a little? You're not...