Books and Web Sites for Grandparents
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2005-04-08 14:00:57
Books and Web Sites for Grandparents
Why is it that appliances, cars, and computers come with instructions, and kids and grandkids don't? Is it because we're expected to know how to raise our children and relate to our grandchildren on our own? Whatever the reason, if we take advantage of the resources available to grandparents today, our relationships with our grandchildren may be stronger, happier, and more fulfilling. Those resources become even more important when we have to face problems we never anticipated-illness, divorce, legal rights, giftedness, and special needs.
We recommend these books and web sites to help you make the most out of being a grandparent, including some that deal with crises.
Traditional Grandparenting Books
" The Grandparent Guide: The Definitive Guide to Coping with the Challenges of Modern Grandparenting," Arthur Kornhaber, M.D., Contemporary Books, 2002. This is a comprehensive and readable resource for grandparents and expectant grandparents. Its 400 pages cover a wide variety of topics, including birth, adolescence, spoiling, spending, long-distance relationships, and common mistakes. Topics also include the roles of grandparents and the characteristics of effective grandparenting.
" The Don't Sweat Guide for Grandparents: Making the Most of Your Time with Your Grandchildren," Richard Carlson, Don't Sweat Press, October 2001. In today's world of hectic schedules, it's sometimes hard for grandparents to know how and where they fit in. This book offers 100 easy strategies grandparents can use to enjoy their time with children and grandchildren to the fullest. There is practical advice on how to say "yes" and "no," letting grandchildren talk, remembering what you weren't allowed to do, and giving grandchildren what they need most-attention.
" Nanas and the Papas: The Boomers' Guide to Grandparenting," Kathryn and Allan Zullo, Andrew McMeel Publishing, August 2004. This updated resource guide for a new generation of grandparents is filled with tips on dealing with today's adult children, high-tech grandparenting, making the most of time alone with grandchildren, and sharing financial assets. The book contains advice from child care and grandparenting experts and from boomer grandparents across the country.
" How To Build the Grandma Connection," Susan Bosack, The Communication Project, April 2002. This book is as much for grandpas as for grandmas. The author lists five steps for building a grandparent-grandchild connection, along with lots of tips on babysitting, sharing stories, giving creative gifts and keepsakes, building bonds over long distances, and being an effective listener. Included is a list of the best books to share with grandchildren.
" Grandparenthood," Ruth Westheimer and Steven Kaplan, Routledge, March 2000. Dr. Ruth Westheimer (yes, that Dr. Ruth) and Dr. Steven Kaplan have teamed up to tackle the issue of grandparenting with straightforward and witty advice. They discuss generational differences in parenting styles, non-traditional and multicultural families, day care challenges, and helping grandchildren with special needs or during a crisis. Maintaining long-distance relationships, enjoying the holidays with inlaws, and gift-giving guidelines are among other topics covered.
" New-Fashioned Grandparenting: Changing America One Grandchild at a Time," Julia Nelson, Allyn Group Publications, August 2000. The author's unique approach to becoming a better grandparent is based on business models and consulting elements. Reminding her readers that grandparenting is not the same as parenting, Nelson clarifies and updates the role of grandparents with grandchildren between age four and high school. The book's forward is written by Arthur Kornhaber, M.D.
" The Grandfather Thing," Saul Turteltaub, Tallfellow Press, May 2001. This month-by month memoir of grandson Max's first year is a warm and funny account of the special relationship between grandfathers and their grandchildren. As Max grows, so does Turteltaub, from passive observer to enthusiastic participant in his grandson's life.
Books on Challenges Grandparents Face
" Helping Children Cope with Divorce," Rosemary Wells, Sheldon Press, May 2003. This book contains helpful information for anyone -parent, grandparent, teacher, friend-who is supporting a child whose parents are divorcing. Included is guidance on how to help without taking sides, advice on easing the difficulties of visitations, and information on the Family Law Act and how it affects children.
" Grandparents' Rights," Traci Truly, Sourcebooks, Inc., March 2001 Divorce, adoption, neglect and abuse raise a number of legal issues for grandparents. You'll find useful information on state visitation and custody rights' laws. The process of whether to file a legal claim for custody or visitation is discussed, along with the hurdles grandparents are likely to encounter.
" Grandparents' Guide to Gifted Children," James Webb, Frances Karnes, and Janet Gore, Great Potential Press, September 2004. Grandparents often realize their grandchild is gifted before the child's parents do. The authors discuss the early signs and special needs of gifted children, the unique roles grandparents can play, and how grandparents can build a bond with a gifted grandchild.
" Understanding Your Special Needs Grandchild: A Grandparents' Guide," Clare Jones, Specialty Press (FL), April 2001. Grandparents play a special role in the lives of their special needs grandchildren. The author describes a number of challenging conditions and their treatments. Personal stories recount how other grandparents have coped with the special needs of their grandchildren.
Web Sites for Grandparents
Foundation for Grandparenting
The Foundation for Grandparenting is dedicated to bettering the lives of grandparents, parents, and grandchildren. The website contains information on visitation and laws; questions and answers; pages for parents, grandmothers, and grandfathers; and more.
Grandboomers
Developed for former baby boomers who have now grown up, this is a useful and fun site for any grandparent. The site has a wide array of information, from encouraging healthy eating and visiting children's museums to teaching grandchildren how to read and manage money. Letters from grandparents are personal, helpful, and fun to read.
WholeFamily
This on-line resource for family conflict resolutions contains a Senior Center section where experts answer grandparents' questions about a variety of sensitive issues, such as disciplining grandchildren and sharing holidays with parents and grandchildren.
Grandparents Magazine
This free on-line magazine has lots of fun activities to share with grandchildren, including words to songs, coloring pages, city guides, and a "just for fun" section where you can post your grandchild's photo. There are also articles on grandparenting topics, product reviews, and a list of resources on grandparents' rights.
Grandkidsandme Foundation
You'll find articles, activities, and camping opportunities designed to build and support strong relationships between grandparents and grandchildren. You may want to subscribe to "The Gathering," a free, monthly, e-mail newsletter.
Fun Sites for Grandkids
KidSites.com
KidSites links to educational and fun web sites for kids of all ages. There are coloring pages, online games, story book activities, arts and crafts, science projects, and much more. Explore the solar system with Arty, the Part-Time Astronaut, create and experiment with music, or learn about amusement park physics.
DLTK's Printable Crafts for Kids
A site packed with craft projects for kids young and old. Crafts are organized by type and/or by materials used and include animal themes, holiday projects, educational activities, cartoon characters, and more. A section on custom printed greeting cards is fun and easy to use. The site links to four sister sites for coloring pages, Spanish/English activities, French/English activities, and Fun Facts for Kids.
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