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!
Why I'm not moving
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Hello, Reader! Yesterday I published a blog post about moving closer to your grandchildren. It’s a question many grandparents grapple with, and the post has a long list of things to consider before making that decision. The timing of it was interesting, because I was writing and editing it while visiting my grandkids. Pops and I took care of them for a long weekend while their parents went away, and we tacked a couple days on either end so we could see our son and daughter-in-law, too. We did all the things local grandparents get to do. We went to the Fall Festival at their school, did drop-off and pick-up, got to know some of their friends, and spent lots of time just hanging out with them. We did the grocery shopping when my daughter-in-law’s day got hectic and helped my son with a house project. It was a great visit. But it didn’t make me want to move closer to them. According to the list of considerations in the blog post, there is no reason not to move. We love the city they live in and have our own good friends here. The healthcare system is good, and so is the cost of living and cultural climate. Most important, our kids would welcome us if we decided to do move there. And yet… We like where we live now. Back when we were in college, we decided we wanted to live on a lake when we retired, and we worked hard to make that a reality. It’s been as wonderful as we envisioned, and we don’t want to give that up to be closer to our grandchildren. Also, we have three other children who all live in different places. I love my grandchildren, but they are not more important to me than my kids are. (Gasp! Is that something I can say out loud?) How would we decide who to live near should the others have children someday? I love them all. We are fortunate that our son and his family now live close enough for regular visits. We also have the flexibility to show up quickly and stay as long as needed in an emergency, as we did last winter when my daughter got ill. We don’t need to be five minutes away to help out. I sometimes think that my husband’s years in the military make it easier for us: we are used to people we love being far away for long periods of time. We know without a doubt that how close you are to someone has absolutely nothing to do with physical proximity. So, should you move closer to your grandchildren? If you are considering it, read the blog post. And then follow your heart—which may tell you to stay right where you are. Warm regards, P.S. At one point in the weekend all three kids were at loose ends, so I printed up a scavenger hunt I’d created a few years ago. It was a big hit, so I’m adding it here so you can share it with your grands! Download it now. Love getting mail? So do your grandkids! Grandparent Love Letters make it easy to delight them. 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!
The latest from the More Than Grand blog is up on the website! Should Grandparents Move Closer to Grandchildren? Benefits, Challenges, and How to Decide Published on September 17, 2024 Deciding whether to move closer to your grandchildren is a decision that impacts the whole family. Read on to learn what you need to consider when making this major decision. Pin to read later Arlene was sitting in her living room, scrolling through photos of her grandchildren on her phone. As she swiped...
Hello again! Here’s what’s happening This Week in the Wonderful World of Grandparenting. 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 Did you know you can buy individual sections of New Grandparent Essentials if you don’t feel you need the whole...
Dear Reader, For the last few days, one of my sisters, her husband, and my mother have been staying with us. I’ve been reminded once again that I am fortunate to have family members who not only get along, but genuinely like to spend time together. I recognize that not all of you are so lucky. Families are messy, and conflict is normal. It’s normal in my family, too. Even though we choose to spend time together, we don’t always get along. But what we do is something that Rachel Haack...