GRANDPARENTING

Voices

Amy Goyer

Grandparents Make the Difference for Autistic Children

By Amy Goyer

In a three-part series, family expert Amy Goyer reveals the results of a new survey of grandparents who have grandchildren with various Autism Spectrum Disorders and chronicles the vital role these grandparents play.

Join Amy Online!

Grandparenting: The Joys & Challenges

Peter Greenberg

Kid-Friendly Resorts

By Peter Greenberg

Now is a great time to travel with the grandkids. To keep them entertained try these kids' activities, including hiking, lei-making, and obstacle courses!

More on Travel:

AARP Programs

AARP Foundation Grandparenting Program

This one-stop shop has reference materials and contacts for first-time grandparents and for those raising their grandchildren.

Tools

grandcare support locator

GrandCare Support Locator

Connect with local and national groups, programs, resources, and services that support grandparents

benefits quick link

Benefits QuickLINK

Get help finding and enrolling in benefits programs for older adults and families with children.

Resources

GrandCare Toolkit

A thorough listing of health, financial, and safety resources for grandfamilies or relatives raising children.

Tips for Grandparents

Looking for a fun activity or vacation destination for yourself and your grandchild? We have some great ideas!

State Fact Sheets

Get helpful, state-specific data, no matter where you live in the United States.

Benefits QuickLINK

Find out if you or the children you’re raising are eligible for key public and private benefits.

Guide to Public Benefits

Use this quick reference to find out about cash assistance, health, nutrition, and tax-credit programs designed to help grandfamilies.

State Visitation Laws

Having problems visiting your grandchildren? Find out what steps you can take—in or out of court.

In the form of colorful quilts, two African American women share their cultural heritage with the world. They discuss their art and talk about how family history shapes their roles as grandparents.

children handing out food for the needy

Give the Gift of Giving

By Bambi Holzer

It's never too early to start teaching your grandchildren about the importance of philanthropy. Start by setting an example and by picking a charitable cause that is special to the child or family.

Congratulations,
You're Going to
Be a Grandparent

A new baby is coming into your family, so it's time to prepare and embrace your new role.

From the Online Community

Group: Financial Planning

Group: Financial Planning
Learn what to avoid in order to prepare a healthy financial portfolio for yourself and or your loved ones.
Join Group

Group: Preserving Family History

Group: Preserving Family History
Learn cutting-edge strategies on using the Web and public resources to research your family's roots.
Join Group

Managing a Child's Meltdown

By Amy Conrad

Curbing a temper tantrum is not as straightforward as you might think. Here are some tips to control outbursts.

Bonding From a Distance

By Julia Halewicz

Do your younger relatives seem never to call? Try some of these innovative ideas to establish close connections to family members living far away.

Keys to the Magic Kingdom in Orlando

By Mary Dixon Lebeau

If you are considering a trip to Disney World with the grandchildren, use this planner filled with tips and important dates to make your vacation a success.

Parenting Advice You Got Right

By Allison Pennell

Your children might have called your parenting style old fashioned, but cod-liver oil, outdoor play and children minding their manners are back in style. So grandparents, go ahead and say, "I told you so."

Understanding Your Grandkids
Could Be as Easy as 1-2-3

By Charlotte Latvala

The different personality traits of your grandchildren—leader, peacemaker, class clown—can often be explained by the order of their birth in each family.

AARP Member Benefits

Travel Discounts

Member Benefits: Cruise

Travel Discounts

AARP Travel Center powered by Expedia has deals on cruises, car rentals, airfare, hotels and vacation packages.

Health Products & Services

Insurance, med supplies & drug discounts.

Financial & Legal

Guidance for retirement planning.

Insurance Products

Exclusive products for AARP members.

More to Explore

Join the Fat 2 Fit Challenge

Join the Fat 2 Fit Community
Don't go it alone. Join AARP's team effort to shed pounds, with coaching from Carole Carson.

Free, Fun Games for Your Brain
Keep your mind sharp with interactive games and the latest research and tips on boosting your brain power.

More From AARP

Member Benefit

assistance with flat tire

Save on membership fees in AARP® Roadside Assistance from Allstate.

Healthy Couch Potato

football

Can watching the Super Bowl actually improve your health?

Our Movie Picks

popcorn and movie tickets

The envelope, please: our annual Movies for Grownups® Awards.

Make Clothes Last

colorful t-shirts

What's your oldest garment in your closet that you still wear?

AARP Needs You!

volunteering sign

AARP seeks nine volunteers for its National Policy Council.

Doughnut Hole

doughnut sprinkled with pills

Find ideas for avoiding Medicare's Rx coverage gap.

Driving for Less

Driver Safety Program

Our driver safety course can lower car insurance costs for Montanans.

Tex-Mex Food

breakfast tacos

Willing to share your recipe for tacos? Tell us how you stuff your shell!

Spa Cuisine

chef mixing ingredients

The food served at spas today tastes better and is easy to prepare at home.

Vote for Your Fave!

Heroic Pet Awards

We picked 10 heroic animals. Tell us which one should win $1,000.

Latin Music

Ruben Blades

Latin music has captured hearts and souls all around the world.

AARP Exclusive

grandparent and grandchild

See how grandparents affect the lives of children with autism.