Mimi, Nonna, Grandma and BeBe. Gramps, Opa, G-Pa and Abuelo. The names that grandparents go by are almost as varied as the roles they play. With Grandparents Day just around the corner, on Sept. 12 this year, the September edition of the All About Parenting blog carnival is dedicated to Grandparents and Grandparenting.
The Roles of Grandparents
- Katherine Lee, About.com's Guide to School-Age Children, writes about how her relationship with her parents changed when she became a parent (and her parents became grandparents) in "The Legacy of Grandparents."
- Amy Mullis of Mind Over Mullis pens a humorous tribute to her dad in "The Princess and the Papa."
- Katherine Lewis, Guide to Working Moms, describes her approaching adventure in multi-generational housing in "Living With Your Parents, Again."
- Penelope Lemov of Parenting Grown Children explores whether grandparents should decline the role of coach or teacher in favor of being an enthusiastic audience.
Gifts and Crafts for Grandparents Day
- Sherri Osborn, Guide to Family Crafts, has ideas for Grandparents Day gifts, as well as the cards, tags and gift wrap to make them extra special.
- Nana of Nana's Corner shares instructions for making tie-dyed T-shirts, plus an example of how to talk to grandchildren about issues that matter.
- Elizabeth Kennedy, Guide to Children's Books, suggests a book that would make a great Grandparents Day gift.
- Amanda Rock, Guide to Preschoolers, recommends a grandparenting book with an intriguing title: Toad Cottages and Shooting Stars.
- Megan Cooley, Guide to Kids' Parties, has ideas for a perfect celebration plus some poignant memories of her own grandmother.
Remembering Grandparents
- Denise Witner, Guide to Parenting Teens, has a five-minute family-building strategy involving a memory about a grandparent.
- Apryl Duncan, Guide to Stay-at-Home Moms, shares memories of her grandparents that involve David Lee Roth and a stick shift.
- Linda Pilkington of The Castle Herald remembers a grandmother who didn't own much, but who freely shared love, stories and a few coins for ice cream.
From the Grandparents' Perspective
- Lisa Carpenter of Grandma's Briefs has a list of nine things not to do (unless you just can't help it).
- Barney at Little One Books blogs about the third best day of his life..
- Sally Kabak shares a slice of her life since she and her husband moved from the United States to New Zealand to raise a granddaughter.
- Guide to Sikhism Sukhmandir Khalsa describes the crucial roles played by Sikh grandparents, with a link to a delightful photo gallery.
- Donne Davis of GaGa Sisterhood divulges her mixed feelings about Grandparents Day and her idea for the best gift of all.
- Pam Loxley Drake of A Grandparent's Voice muses about birthing days.
- Canadian grandparent Laura Tompkins of The Groovy Grandma likes the American holiday and plans to celebrate her own Grandparents Day.
Things to Do With Grandchildren
- TravelinOma has ten tips for a budget reunion, along with some delightful photos. Don't miss the funky teeth!.
- Shayne Packer of Grandparents TLC has hints for video chats with grandchildren.
- DigiGram weighs in on how grandparents can foster a love of books.
- Beverly Hernandez, Guide to Home Schooling, shares some of the ways she helps out with her soon-to-be 11 grandchildren. Parents will want to adopt Beverly as their kids' grandmother when they read her post, which involves Date Nights for the parents.
Join the Conversation!
- Terri Mauro, Guide to Special Children, admits that special needs children offer some unique challenges for grandparents and asks readers to salute grandparents who step up to the plate.
- Jennifer Wolf, Guide to Single Parents, promotes gratitude journals and invites readers to tell why they are thankful for their kids' grandparents.
- Carrie Craft, Guide to Adoption and Foster Care, tells why grandparents are important in her world. She invites grandparents to share their memories of welcoming an adopted child.
- Right here on Grandparents, I offer 13 chances for you to tell your grandparenting stories. Take a look today.
Photo © S. Adcox
Thank you for the many blog posts for Grand Parents Day; these stories reveal a wonderful circle of love from generation to generation.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, stories, observations, and activities. I look forward to visiting all your blogs! Happy Grandparents Day to everyone!!!
What a lot of great ideas and resources. Thanks for all the info.
Happy Grandparents Day.
Aw, this was a really quality post. In theory I¡¯d like to write like this also ¨C taking time and real effort to make a good article¡ but what can I say¡ I procrastinate alot and never seem to get anything done¡ Regards¡