May 12, 2008
5 Minutes for Books — The Joyous Gift of Grandparenting
I am proud to share this week’s book with you.
One of the most wonderful things about being a mother has been seeing my parents and my in-laws as grandparents. I have wonderful memories of my growing-up years with my grandparents–traveling for weeks each summer with my mom’s parents seeing the country in their Silver Streak trailer, and spending a week each summer–alone without my sister or cousin–at my dad’s parents’ home. They didn’t need anything fancy to keep me occupied, but kids are different today, and parenting is different today, too.
We like to make the most of our moments–hoping that we can educate, or inspire, or train in some way.
The Joyous Gift of Grandparenting offers “101 practical ideas and meaningful activities to share your love.” The book begins with an inspiring introduction, exhorting grandparents not to “hold your wisdom close to your chest,” because you are a bridge to your grandchildren’s roots. My husband’s grandmother, Grandmommy, not only shares amazing stories about her history and that of her family, but she tells it like it is–which of my husband’s siblings cried a lot as babies, her memories of my husband Terry’s childhood, and so much more. My grandmother Mimi has always told me stories about when I was a little girl. I learn about myself through a grandmother’s loving eyes when she counts and recounts these tales.
This book is full of activities to do–some are crafts, some are simply activities (like a whole page of fun things to do with a flashlight), or teachable moments such as viewing constellations. Along with information and instructions for completing the activity, there are suggestions about topics to discuss while doing it.
For example in the “Extended Stay” section of the book, grandparents are encouraged to discuss chores. Having the grandchildren for an extended stay allows you an opportunity to have them do some chores, and for you to give them some spending or saving money. Some of the chores are even just fun activities, such as making stationary on the computer, or having them tutor you in computer skills. The topics of conversation around this particular subject include discussing saving and spending and sharing about some of the jobs you had as a youth.
Each segment also includes a note of interest–from grandparent to grandparent–called “A Grandparenting Aside.” These little nuggets include admonitions about passing along your fears or phobias to them with seemingly innocent comments, and freedom from guilt if you want to find a way to preserve some kid-free time in your golden years.
I know that in addition to moms who love and appreciate their parents as grandparents, that we have quite
a few grandparents who visit our site, so if you’d like to win a copy of this book for yourself or to pass on to your children’s grandparents, leave a comment below. You may even want to keep it for yourself–I won’t tell if you don’t–but then you might want to buy a second or third copy for a belated Mother’s Day gift or a Father’s Day gift next month.
Looking over this book and writing this post got me thinking about my grandparents. I mined through some of my blog archives for posts about some of the topics I mentioned above:
- Mimi talks about her childhood during the Depression in the Dust Bowl of North Texas.
- A grandpa cashier at the toystore reminded me how precious children are and how much grandparents love to see them grow.
- After my grandfather Mac died, I shared some of my childhood memories of traveling with him and Mimi.
- I preserved some of Grandmommy’s stories that she shared with us while visiting, including tales of covered wagons.
Leave a comment if you’d like to win a copy of the book (shipping to the U.S. only). I’ll announce the winner in next week’s column.
Filed under * Feature Columns, 5 Minutes for Books, Contests, Daily Life, Parenting by Jennifer
Thank you soooooooooo much for sharing this post! (ps. Kirtsy and StumbleUpon are our favorites)
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97 Comments on 5 Minutes for Books — The Joyous Gift of Grandparenting »
#1 - Kathy @ 7:47 am
I have a feeling grandparenting may not be too far off for me. I’d love the book.
Thanks, Kathy
#2 - Heather @ 8:31 am
This would be a great book to give to my parents…
#3 - Ashley @ 8:38 am
That would be great for my parents
#4 - Barbara H. @ Stray Thoughts @ 8:57 am
I’d love this. We’ll be approaching this stage of life within the next decade, most likely, and I am so looking forward to it!
#5 - Ken @ 9:06 am
This sweepstakes has been featured on Sweepstakes Advantage, http://www.sweepsadvantage.com. The Web’s Largest Directory of Free Online Sweepstakes. Good Luck to Everyone!
#6 - Amber @ 9:23 am
What a great book for my in-laws. I’d love to win it!
#7 - Kari @ 9:43 am
I would love to win this for the GRANDPARENTS of my kids…they would love it!!
Thanks!
#8 - Belinda A. @ 9:50 am
I’d like to win this for my in-laws:)
#9 - Johannah B @ 9:54 am
Good reading I am sure….put me in.
#10 - Meg @ 9:56 am
Oh, this would be a book both of our parents would fight over! I’d like to try for a chance to win! Then I’d have to pick who it goes to! :0) Thanks!
#11 - Dawn Fiske @ 10:21 am
Would love this book to help me with my twin grandchildren.
#12 - Kristinia @ 10:25 am
Love to get this for my Mom and Dad , especially with Grandparents day in September!
#13 - Sara @ 10:46 am
What a wonderful sounding book. I’d love to give this to my mom for her birthday and think I will whether or not I win it!
#14 - Sara@Sarandipity @ 11:03 am
I’d love a copy for my mom. I think she’d love it.
#15 - Kim B. @ 11:06 am
I would love this book! My mom would love it!
#16 - The Joyous Gift of Grandparenting | Contests 4 Moms @ 11:08 am
[...] Where: 5 Minutes for Mom [...]
#17 - SJ @ 11:29 am
My Mom would love this book!
#18 - Carol Harrity @ 11:54 am
As a grandmother to 17 and great grandma to 3 I most likely could benefit from this book.
#19 - erin @ 12:10 pm
i would love this book for my son’s grandparents. how cute!
#20 - Judy Johnston @ 12:23 pm
Though my first grandchild isn’t on the scene, I am a “adopted” grandma for the babies at our church. With this book, I could practice and be ready for when my natural grandchild arrives. Thank you for the opportunity!
#21 - Vickie Couturier @ 12:29 pm
I have three small grandchildren an 2 more on the way so I could reallyyyyyyyyyy use this book,so please count me in too,thank you so much
#22 - julianna @ 12:35 pm
my mother-in-law just moved in with us (so that we may care for her - she’s disabled). i think she’d really like this book!
#23 - Stacy @ 12:42 pm
As a new mom, I am always walking a fine line with the in-laws. This would be a great book to let them know how much we appreciate them.
#24 - kelleythejewelrylady @ 12:48 pm
My mom would love this….thanks for finding another great book for us!
#25 - shannon w. @ 1:06 pm
this would be perfect for my mom. A source with ideas for things to do with her grandchildren would be much appreciated.
recyclebin@att.net
#26 - Bree @ 1:07 pm
My mother-in-law would LOVE this book!
#27 - Betty N @ 1:10 pm
I have 8 grandchildren…I would love to have the book!
#28 - Nodins Nest @ 1:12 pm
That sounds like a terrific read!
#29 - Kristie @ 1:13 pm
I would love to share this book with both my mom and mother-in-law!
#30 - Robin Hewitt @ 1:30 pm
I’m the co-author of The Joyous Gift of Grandparenting, and just wanted to say thank you for the wonderful review and the thoughtful contest. Please contact me, and Doug and I will contribute the free book.
#31 - Patricia @ 1:31 pm
I know my mom would just love this book! Thanks!!
#32 - Mary @ Adventures in Mommyland @ 2:48 pm
Great giveaway, thanks!
#33 - killlashadra @ 2:56 pm
What a great looking book. Looks like something my Mom would enjoy reading.
#34 - lindsey @ 3:15 pm
I think my mom would really appreciate this book. She loves her granddaughter so much, and this would really be a nice companion for her.
#35 - Morning Rose @ 3:32 pm
Sounds like a nice gift for my parents. Growing up without grandparents, it’s neat to see my children’s relationship with their grandparents.
#36 - Jennifer W @ 3:33 pm
My mom would really love this.
#37 - Marlena @ 4:02 pm
My mother is loving every minute of being a grandma. She celebrated her first “grand”mother’s day this weekend and this would be a book she would cherish cover to cover.
#38 - Cindi @ 4:43 pm
My only sister has wanted to be a grandma for years and she finally is! I would love to win this marvelous book and surprise her with it. Thanks,Cindi
#39 - Melissa @ 4:54 pm
What a great book for my inlaws!
Thanks!
#40 - Linda Grieser @ 5:17 pm
I would love this grandparent book, sounds like so many fun ideas!!!
#41 - Ellie @ 5:22 pm
I’d love to give this to my mother in law.
#42 - Elena @ 5:46 pm
A book with a title that is completely true!
#43 - Marilyn @ 6:12 pm
The book sounds wonderful! I’m a Ma-Ma who would love it. Thanks!
#44 - lorides @ 7:10 pm
great gift for grammie
#45 - Kathryn Church @ 7:32 pm
You are sooo right. This book would make a great gift… Thank you =^..^=
#46 - Carmen Vj @ 8:06 pm
Ah, the joys of being a grandparent. I use to love the stories when I was young that my grandparents use to tell me. And alot of those stories hold true today. I am also a grandparent and I am loving it. The bond with my grand kids is so special and just totally awesome. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
#47 - Elizabeth...mommy...etc @ 8:25 pm
my mom would love this…she has 4 long-distant granddaughters! *elizabeth
#48 - debbie tyler @ 8:26 pm
my grandson will be 2 in June. I would just love to win this book. When I am less then cheery all I have to do is call and hear his little voice saying Hi grammy and I am so much better.
#49 - Tosha @ 9:17 pm
Some of my favorite memories are those shared with my Grandparents. I am so thankful that I was able to get to know my Grandparents and to have such a special bond with them! I am now a parent and it is very important to me that my baby spend as much time as possible with her Grandparents!!
#50 - Christy @ 9:20 pm
this would be great for my parents who are about to become grandparents again!
#51 - Kathy LaFrenier @ 9:22 pm
I have four beautiful grandchildren under the age of three–I want it!
#52 - Tiffany @ 9:41 pm
Would love to give to my Mom, and her bday is next week!
#53 - Jill @ 9:45 pm
I would love to share this with my parents!!
#54 - Paula Englert @ 10:25 pm
My favorite position in life is that of Grandma. I love doing things with my grandchildren. We do crafts, cook and work in my yard. When they are at my house they love washing my kitchen floor. It’s great! I am a retired teacher and so I am always looking for “teachable moments”. Their father thinks I sometimes teach them the wrong things (like how to squirt whipped cream from a can into their mouth). I would love tips from other grandparents on how they handle different situations. Maybe I’m not so far out as my son thinks.
#55 - Chrysa @ 11:17 pm
I would love to win this book for my mom!
#56 - Jean @ 11:31 pm
Perfect for my mom-in-law as she’s a first-time grandparent.
#57 - Sandy @ 12:33 am
this would be great for my parental units :O) thanks
#58 - Noreen @ 12:40 am
I would love to pass this on to my mom or my mil (after I read it myself)
#59 - Danielle S @ 1:19 am
My mom would really enjoy this book!
#60 - stampedwithgrace @ 2:22 am
my mom is such a great grandmother, but I think she would love for me to win this book for her
#61 - ariane @ 4:56 am
the books seems very interesting! hope i’ll win! please count me in! thanks a lot!
#62 - Kisha @ 8:33 am
I’d love to win this book for my girl’s grandparents! I’m sure it’d be appreciated.
#63 - Janne @ 8:59 am
What a sweet looking book.
#64 - T @ 10:18 am
No kids (yet), but I always wanted a book like this to give to my folks as an announcement when I *do* get pregnant
#65 - Mary Sullivan @ 10:28 am
This would be a wonderful book for friends who will be first time grandparents in two weeks.
#66 - Kellys Krazy Kids @ 11:47 am
I would love to win! What a great book!
#67 - Beth @ 11:58 am
I would absolutely love to win this for my mom!
#68 - Marci @ 2:27 pm
I become a grandma 2 years ago. It was the greatest joy to be with my oldest daughter (24) when she gave birth to my first grandchild. 3 months later, my oldest daughter was with me when I gave birth to her baby sister.
It’s a great joy to be a Grandma and a Mom again too. The two little ones are great friends and love to play together.
#69 - Barbara Schantz @ 3:25 pm
My mom and mother-in-law would both love this book! They have each done tons of genealogical research and love to share it with us.
#70 - JenO @ 3:54 pm
We’re new parents, and this is the only grandbaby on both sides so far. The tricky thing might be deciding which grandma gets the book…
#71 - sandra kao @ 4:00 pm
i need all the help i can get
#72 - Hannah @ 4:14 pm
this looks like a great book
#73 - Becca @ 4:28 pm
My Mom is already a fantastic Gramma. With two more grandkids on the way, I’m sure she’d love the ideas in this book.
#74 - Yvonne Butler @ 8:57 am
Love to Read!
#75 - JoAnn zimmerman @ 5:52 pm
What a great gift,
#76 - Tracy @ 11:57 pm
I’d love to see my parents devlop more of a bond with my son. Though they pick him up on occasion after school or we visit them on weekends, they do not do anything special with each other. In fact, they continue about their day as if spending time with their grandson was more of a chore than a treat.
I would love to receive this book so that they can nurture that relationship and each develop fond memories of each other.
#77 - Forgetfulone @ 12:06 am
I would love to be able to give this book as a gift to my mother from her grandchildren.
#78 - Helen @ 8:06 am
Will be Granny next month.
#79 - Giveaways Around the Blogosphere « Multitasking Mama @ 8:35 am
[...] a copy of The Joyous Gift Of Grandparenting – Deadline May 18, [...]
#80 - Kristie Noguera @ 9:12 pm
My kids are lucky to have 4 great grandparents.
#81 - Tracey Pounds @ 12:03 am
I keep my grand daughter every day while her mother works and I know that every day is joyous when you’re a grand parent. Thanks for the contest!
#82 - Erin @ 12:18 am
I would love to give this to my parents!
#83 - Kevin Turner @ 1:41 am
I just had two grandsons within five days and would love to give this book to my wife!
#84 - Sara DeMaster Smith @ 7:45 am
I know that my mom would love this book, as she loves to spend time with her grandkids!
#85 - Eva @ 12:11 pm
for fun
#86 - Just a mom’s take on things… » Contest Round-Up - 5/17/08 @ 2:54 pm
[...] at 5 Minutes For Mom you could win a copy of the book The Joyous Gift of Grandparenting, or you could win one of six sets of Hallmark’s [...]
#87 - christine @ 5:02 pm
I would love to win this book, and give to my Mother, so she has some ideas to entertain my Baby, and when she is a Toddler
#88 - philip halter @ 6:38 pm
enter me please
#89 - MerryMom @ 11:42 pm
Great site …
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#90 - Jennifer H @ 12:50 am
My mom would love this!
#91 - Brooke @ 9:04 am
This is such a lovely giveaway! Thanks!
#92 - Eileen Sheehan @ 11:34 am
Wow!! I have 3 wonder full grand girls and 1 delight full grand guy. I would love to win this book.
#93 - Sally Baldwin @ 3:44 pm
Awesome! Please enter me!
#94 - kathy pease @ 4:20 pm
please enter me
#95 - jenna @ 6:20 pm
I’d love to win this and give to my parents.
#96 - Kati @ 8:42 pm
My parents are first time Grandparents and now that my son is getting to the age that he’s much more fun…they would probably love this book! Thanks for the opportunity!
#97 - Timothy Sternberg @ 2:51 am
I’d love the book.