What’s new in the Wonderful World of Grandparenting?
10 Tiny Things You Need if You Take Your Grandkids Anywhere
What should a prepared grandparent keep in their purse or pocket? If you want to be prepared for any occasion, read our list of suggested items to have on hand when you take your grandchild anywhere. From small toys to emergency items, these 10 things should be in every grandparent’s bag of tricks.
4 Ways to Show New Parents You Care
New parents need love and encouragement, but grandparents often focus all their efforts on the new baby. Showing love for your grandchildren shouldn’t replace showing love for your children, so here are some simple ways to show new parents how much you care.
Hospital Etiquette for Grandparents
Should you visit the hospital when your new grandbaby is born? If so, what do you need to know? Our list of the do’s and don’ts of hospital visits will help grandparents who want to go to the hospital when their new grandchild is born. You’ll want to read our tips before you plan a visit to your new grandchild and his or her parents.
Handling Holiday Disappointment
Learn how to handle disappointment about your children's holiday plans as a grandparent and set the tone for future holidays by communicating your expectations early on and adjusting them if necessary. Follow the do's and don'ts outlined in this post to express your feelings without making your children feel guilty.
3 Ways to Build Trust with New Parents
Are you a grandparent struggling to establish a close relationship with your grandchild because the parents won't trust you with the baby? In this post, we share some common reasons why parents may hesitate to leave their baby with a grandparent and provide practical tips for building trust. From committing to safety to being physically able and knowing your role, these three foundations for being a trusted grandparent can help you create a special bond with your grandchild.
Should Grandparents Share Their Own Birth Stories?
Sharing stories is one of the most important things grandparents can do. But should you share your stories of being a new parent? Discover what information to share and what not to share, and how to ask the right questions to encourage healthy communication and respect boundaries. Find out why it's important to consider your biases and focus on information that will be helpful.
10 Reasons to Cut Back on Giving Gifts
When grandparents give too many gifts, it is nearly always to show their love for their grandchildren. But there are several valid reasons for parents to try to limit gifts from grandparents. Too many gifts from grandparents can cause problems that affect parents, children and grandparents themselves. Here are 10 reasons that you should consider cutting back on gifts to your grandchildren.
How Grandparents Can Help New Parents During the Holidays
Learn how grandparents can help new parents during the busy holiday season, even from a distance! From dropping off meals to making travel easier, discover ways to lighten the load for new parents during the holiday season. Check out this post for tips on how to be a helpful grandparent without adding to the holiday stress for new parents.
How to be a Grandnanny
What’s a grandnanny? Many grandparents help out with childcare, either regularly or occasionally. A grandnanny takes it ones step further: Instead of hiring a nanny, the parents plan with the grandparents to provide part or all of the childcare. Read this blog post by author and educator Shirley Showalter to see if being a grandnanny might be right for your family.
Navigating Cultural Differences
Learn how to respect family culture as a grandparent in our latest blog post. From navigating cultural differences to embracing new traditions, we discuss the importance of celebrating each family's unique customs and values. Being open, curious, and respectful can lead to a closer relationship with your grandchildren. Join us in embracing diversity and supporting our families as they create their own unique family culture.
When Grandma Takes Over
Grandparents need to find the delicate balance of helping out without shutting out either parent. Read on to find out how grandparents can help new parents and still make sure parents benefit from the early days of bonding with their new baby.
New Parents Need Space
Learn the importance of respecting boundaries and giving new parents space in this must-read blog post for grandparents. Discover how one grandmother's overeagerness led to hurt feelings and a strained relationship, and get practical tips on how to avoid similar conflicts. Don't miss out on this advice to help you be a supportive grandparent and strengthen your relationship with your adult children.