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!
Your Halloween treats and tricks await
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Hello, Reader! I just finished decorating my house for fall, and that means Halloween is on its way. With the combination of make-believe and treats, Halloween is a major holiday for most children. However, it’s more often just exhausting for their parents! There's costume drama, sugar overload, timing dinner around trick-or-treating—all while managing overstimulation. If you are a local grandparent, it’s easy tempting to invite yourself to be included in the Halloween fun, but remember: The last thing parents need is grandparent demands on top of everything else. So don’t expect parents to want to drive the kids to your house to show you their costumes. Don’t drop by at dinner time to drop off treats. Don’t assume parents want to dress the baby in the costume you couldn’t resist buying. Instead, say something like this: “We'd love to see the kids in their costumes if it works with your plans. Would it help if we dropped off pizza for dinner so you have one less thing to worry about?” Whether you are local or long-distance, remember that it’s their family’s Halloween, not yours. If you support their celebration instead of demanding a role in it, you’re much more likely to be invited in. When you are a long-distance grandparent, it’s harder to be a part of the special occasions in your grandchild’s life. It’s not impossible, however! Here are some Halloween ideas that will allow you to be part of the fun. Mail Some Halloween Fun This one doesn’t need any consultation with parents! Print this Halloween scavenger hunt and stick it in an envelope. Do you have any photos of their mom or dad dressed up for Halloween? Or ones of you? Make copies and enclose those, too. Write a little note on one of our printable Halloween postcards, and slip that in as well. Here are some ideas for what to write:
Ask mom or dad if you can video chat after they’ve opened it, so you can talk about the pictures or memories you enclosed. Family Zoom Halloween Party Find out if your adult children are up for a Zoom Halloween costume party. Let everyone vote on their favorite costumes and show off their jack o’lanterns. Have a dance party (Monster Mash, anyone?) or have Uncle Jim read a spooky story. It’s even more fun if everyone has the same meal. They can all order pizza or make a favorite family recipe. If you are super organized, send every family paper plates and Halloween decorations! Here are some cute ones from Amazon. (affiliate link) Family Movie Night This is another option that will take some coordination, but if parents are willing it can be a fun family tradition! There are multiple ways to host a virtual watch-party, and Halloween is a perfect time for settling down on the couch with popcorn, treats and a Halloween movie on Netflix or Hulu. Depending on the age of your grandkids, a scary movie may be out, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find one that everyone will enjoy. This list of Halloween movies has a wide variety of family-friendly options. Not sure how to host a watch-party? Here’s a good run-down of your options. What do you think? Will you try one of these suggestions? If you do, I’d love to hear how it goes! Warm regards, 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! If you’ve been here awhile, you know that one of my main messages at More Than Grand is that grandparents need to cut back on giving gifts. I keep harping on the subject because it is the number one complaint that parents share with me—too much stuff, too often, and frequently something they don’t want their child to have. When I post about it on social media, parents often chime in with horror stories, like the grandma who showed up on Christmas morning with three industrial...
The persons hardest to convince they're at the retirement age are children at bedtime. ~ Shannon Fife 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 Today’s the last day to get the Candlelight & Comfort Bundle, a collection of 15+ ebooks,...
Dear Reader, What do you remember about your grandparents’ home? When I think back to my childhood, I remember the smells: eucalyptus trees, furniture polish, and my grandmother’s perfume. I remember the feeling of sinking into the down-filled cushions of the pink velvet couch. I remember the taste of vanilla yogurt and tea with honey. Their house wasn’t cozy, but it always felt like an adventure to be there. So many of our childhood memories revolve around the senses. Our grandchildren’s...