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!
The Buckets are more important than I realized
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Dear Reader, My daughter-in-law and I were chatting the other day about their upcoming summer visit. She wanted me to know that the 6-year-old was already talking about The Buckets. My granddaughter wanted to make sure I would have them again this time, and that her brother would not be allowed to steal her Oreos again. Three years ago, I got some small tin buckets before they came to stay. My intent was for them to have a place to keep their toothbrushes, washcloth, and other toiletries during their visit. But then I thought about how fun it would be to have some surprises in the buckets when they arrived. I put in a water bottle for each of them to use while they were here, a squirt gun, and some healthy snacks. All things I would have had for them anyway, but somehow they seemed more exciting when they were in the bucket. For subsequent visits, I’ve done pretty much the same. In fact, the same water bottles and squirt guns reappear every summer! Last year there was a little craft kit or activity for each of them that I had picked up during the year, and the highly desirable Oreos in addition to more wholesome snacks. The buckets have apparently become a very important part of their visit, and I’d better start thinking about what to include this year. There are a lot of things to do to get ready for a visit from the grandkids. From stocking the pantry and planning meals to moving where we keep our morning pills, there are a lot of little steps that need to be taken so we can enjoy the time they are here with minimal stress. I feel like a checklist is needed! Are you anticipating any visits from your grandchildren? If so, I’d love to know about your plans and preparations. What do you usually do to get ready for their visits? Would a checklist help you? Please reply and let me know! Warm regards, We want to help you be a Most Valuable Grandparent! Visit our shop to see all our resources. 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!
Dear Reader, So many of you wrote me to say you appreciated reading Rebecca’s story last week. (If you missed her letter, you can read it here.) I’m glad it moved you as much as it did me. I had a busy extended weekend with a trip to visit family and celebrate birthdays, so I didn’t get to respond to all of you. I wanted to follow up here, because several of you asked the same thing: “Can you tell me exactly what Rebecca shared with her daughter-in-law?” The answer is no, I can’t. Partly...
Dear Reader, I’m doing something a little different today and sharing a letter I got a couple of weeks ago. It’s an emotional testament to the power of being open to learning and growing. I’m so grateful to Rebecca, who not only shared her experience with me but also gave me permission to share it with you. Here is her story (lightly edited for clarity): “I’ve been a grandparent for almost 9 years. Our daughter became an instant step-parent when she married our precious son-in-law, who...
Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. ~ Theodore Roosevelt 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 The biggest challenge facing new grandparents isn't what they get wrong—it's what they don't realize has changed. Discover the...