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.

Get Crafty This Season

Homemade mementos keep the memory of each holiday fresh in your mind. These fun and easy crafts to make with grandchidren of all ages are perfect for keeping, giving and eating.

Countdown To Disney

Keys to the Magic Kingdom in Orlando

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.

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

Ask Sid: How Do I Know a Toy is Safe?

This holiday season, guide yourself toward buying safe toys for the kids in your life by checking Web sites for toxin levels and product recalls.

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 book picks for preschoolers to teens!

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.

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.

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

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

Free Lunch Seminars

Business Lunch Seminar

Looking to help your community? Volunteer to be an AARP "Free Lunch" Monitor.

Member Discounts

beautifully wrapped presents

Find great gifts at a great price with the AARP® Member Discounts Holiday Guide!

Create The Good

create the good logo on red

We believe that small, helpful actions can yield big results. Join us!

The Gift of AARP

giving gift

Give the gift of AARP and receive a free member- ship for a spouse or partner!

Help Fix Health Care

health reform and action now

Support reform. Make sure your voices are heard in the halls of Congress—today.

Rental Question

apartment for rent

Do you really need renter's insurance? This article might help you decide.


Fat 2 Fit

fat2fit finale

He lost 88 pounds with Fat 2 Fit! Here's how he did it.

Unique Water Sports

scuba diver in school of fish

Tired of snorkeling? Try offbeat hydrosports, such as "snuba" or kite- surfing.

Got the Munchies?

potato chips

Find out why nighttime snackers often gain more weight than people who nosh in the daytime.

Fresh vs. Frozen

frozen vegetables

As winter approaches, fresh produce is limited. How do frozen veggies compare?

Living With Grace

Forrest Church in his Church

Can a minister follow his own advice and live well—even when near the end of his life?

Book Review

Reclaiming Paris by Fabiola Santiago

Although it's sensually seductive, this book has roots that were anything but.