GRANDPARENTING

Autism Survey

Does your grandchild have autism? Share your joys and challenges, and how having a grandchild on the autism spectrum has impacted your life. Learn about and participate in this ground-breaking survey.

Voices

Amy Goyer

The Big Move: After the Move

By Amy Goyer

In a four-part series, AARP family expert Amy Goyer chronicles moving her parents into a retirement community. This installment: transitioning after the move.

Past columns:

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.

Gifts that Bridge the Distance

By Elizabeth Encarnacion

Six Gift Ideas to Bridge the Distance

If you can't be with the grandkids for the holidays, you can still make your presence felt by sending something personal and meaningful, such as these six gift ideas.

Family cycling

Back in the (Bike) Saddle

By Marcy Black

Cycling is a skill you never forget. Now you can share the fun and health benefits with your grandchildren.

Otis, by Loren Long

Book Selections for Grandchildren

By AARP The Magazine

Looking for a new book to read with your grandchild or to give as a gift?  Check out our November book picks for preschoolers to teens!

From the Online Community

Photo: Sleigh Ride

Photo: Sleigh Ride Susankaytoo and her grandchildren enjoy a wintry sleigh ride.
View Photo

Group: Raising Grandchildren

Group: Raising Grandchildren
Find new strategies for balancing work, family, and personal time.
Join Group

Get Crafty This Holiday Season

Homemade mementos keep the memory of each holiday fresh in your mind. These crafts to make with your grandchildren are fun for all ages.

Retro Parenting Advice

By Allison Pennell

Cod-liver oil, outdoor play and children minding their manners are back in style. So grandparents, go ahead and say, "I told you so."

No Need for Alarm

By Dr. Charlotte Cowan

It can be disturbing when a grandchild is ill. Some childhood illnesses sound or look scary, but doctors who recognize the symptoms know these five common maladies are not too worrisome.

World's Greatest Grandpa?

By C.B. Wismar

A "World's Greatest Grandpa" coffee mug prompts one grandparent to reflect on the distance that makes the role so wonderfully affirming.

5 Vacation Mistakes Grandparents Make

By Mary Dixon Lebeau

Taking a trip with the grandkids? Use our tips to make it goof-free.

'Toons Span the Generations

By Paul Wisenthal

Make-your-own online comic strips help young and old connect.

Grandma 911

By Cynthia Ramnarace

As stress on families grows, teens and tweens look to grandparents for a boost.

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

senior woman playing video game

Video Games for Grownups
Read our latest reviews—with adult players like you in mind—of video games across multiple platforms.

Travel Expert Peter Greenberg
Are airlines giving you worry lines? Need the latest news on the best cruise? AARP.org travel columnist Peter Greenberg can help.

More From AARP

Spend Smart & Save

enoughosaurus rex

Using money wisely can be fun. Learn how from "The Ultimate Cheap- skate."

Member Benefit

grocery cart

Save on leading brands at the Grocery Coupon Center powered by Coupons.com.

Health Care News

AARP Endorses Health Care Bill

AARP endorsed a health reform bill passed in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Texting Trysts

older man texting

Some in the 50+ set are using "sexting," or "sexy text messaging," to spice up flirting.

Senior Airfare Deals

airplane against orange sky

Do flight discounts for older people really give you the best prices? Read this.

Train Travel

scenic train ride

Do you love riding the rails? So do we! Join the group.

Health Care Reform

health reform and action now

Make prescription drugs more affordable for all Americans.

Bye-Bye Sodium!

salt shaker spilling salt

How can you find a food's salt content and eat less of it, but still enjoy meals?

Driver Safety Month

Cartoon of driver safety

With the end of daylight saving time, AARP offers tips for night driving.

Hispanic Labor Force

older job applicant

Demographic trends point to the importance of older Latin American workers.

Miracle Drugs

pill bottles

Biologics are revolu- tionizing treatments for serious chronic diseases. How?

Consumer Fraud

fraud

This holiday season, guard against scams that hatch with the holiday spirit.