The value of your kids, the value of your parents come together.
Book Announcement!
A former neighbor of my mom's who became her friend and has kept up a friendship with me, even after mom's passing has written a book on the importance of grandparent kid friendships,
"GrandFriendships," http://www.grandfriendships.com/
a look at the joy and growth inherent in the relationships of children and grandparents.
For the many years that I have known her, Helene has been an advocate, not only for the importance of grand parenting in fully multi generational families, but even more importantly she has worked to increase opportunities of the kids and adults who may not have easy access to their own grandparents or grandkids. Now she is sharing what she has learned.
My take on this?
The nature of the American nuclear family has sometimes isolated us more than has been healthy and we have not taken advantage of the opportunities and yes, needs in our own communities. How much cost and how much benefit would there be if your local day care center hired a few "old fogies" to play with the kids? And why do you hardly ever see kids being invited to adult need day care? These are just a few of the opportunities around us. I think we are missing something that could easily be made better. But don't take my word for it, check it out for yourself!
pat
A former neighbor of my mom's who became her friend and has kept up a friendship with me, even after mom's passing has written a book on the importance of grandparent kid friendships,
"GrandFriendships," http://www.grandfriendships.com/
a look at the joy and growth inherent in the relationships of children and grandparents.
For the many years that I have known her, Helene has been an advocate, not only for the importance of grand parenting in fully multi generational families, but even more importantly she has worked to increase opportunities of the kids and adults who may not have easy access to their own grandparents or grandkids. Now she is sharing what she has learned.
My take on this?
The nature of the American nuclear family has sometimes isolated us more than has been healthy and we have not taken advantage of the opportunities and yes, needs in our own communities. How much cost and how much benefit would there be if your local day care center hired a few "old fogies" to play with the kids? And why do you hardly ever see kids being invited to adult need day care? These are just a few of the opportunities around us. I think we are missing something that could easily be made better. But don't take my word for it, check it out for yourself!
pat
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We have a New President who for all intents and purposes was raised by Grampa and Gramma. Most important person in my youth was Gramps.
Sounds like a very good book.
December 26, 2008 9:12 AM | Reply | Permalink
We are the day care providers for our 3 grandchildren, and even did the "Walton" thing for almost 2 years...The "progress" this country has made is not always a good thing. We loved having the 3 generations living together. Although we didn't have the space to make it a really comfortable long - term arrangement, we will always treasure that time.
We are now in our own home, but live 1 mile from 1 child, 2 miles from the other. We rely on each for a lot, acting as safety nets for each other all the time.
As times get harder (and I believe that trend will continue for awhile, at least) I think we'll see more families moving closer together, if not sharing homes. I don't think that's such a bad thing.
December 26, 2008 12:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
I love to hear how people work together to make the world work, or at least work a little better.
December 26, 2008 3:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
P.S. Although I don't subscribe to this sentiment because I get along great with my kids, I heard a funny assessment of why kids and grandparents get along so well...it's because they have a common enemy, the parents...hee hee!
December 26, 2008 12:35 PM | Reply | Permalink