What’s new in the Wonderful World of Grandparenting?
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.
6 Ways to Help Expectant Parents
Being a supportive, loving grandparent starts during the pregnancy. Now is the time to set up habits that will help you avoid common grandparent mistakes and become an integral part of your grandchild’s life. Read this post for six creative ways to help new parents even before the baby comes.
Are You Driving Your Kids Crazy?
Research and technology have advanced parenting practices, but grandparents often think the old ways are better. Find out how little indications of a lack of respect for a parent's choices add up and can cause a true falling out. Learn how to address parent-grandparent misunderstandings and ensure everyone is on the same team for your grandchild's early years.
Helping New Parents: Renting Baby Equipment
Learn how grandparents can make their grandchildren's visit more comfortable by renting baby equipment. From cribs to car seats, baby gear rental companies offer everything you need to simplify visits for everyone. Read on to find out what baby equipment you should have on hand, where to rent it, and why it's worth considering if your grandchildren only visit once a year.
What’s Wrong with the Way We Did It?
Learn why being the best grandparent means accepting that old parenting ways aren't always the best. Child-rearing advice has changed dramatically over the years, and what was once considered best is now outdated. As grandparents, it's important to support our adult children and their parenting decisions, even if they differ from the way we raised our children. Read on!