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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.
Timothy Sternberg says
I’d love the book.
Kati says
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!
jenna says
I’d love to win this and give to my parents.
kathy pease says
please enter me 🙂
Sally Baldwin says
Awesome! Please enter me!
Eileen Sheehan says
Wow!! I have 3 wonder full grand girls and 1 delight full grand guy. I would love to win this book.
Brooke says
This is such a lovely giveaway! Thanks!
Jennifer H says
My mom would love this!
MerryMom says
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philip halter says
enter me please
christine says
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
Eva says
for fun
Sara DeMaster Smith says
I know that my mom would love this book, as she loves to spend time with her grandkids!
Kevin Turner says
I just had two grandsons within five days and would love to give this book to my wife!
Erin says
I would love to give this to my parents!
Tracey Pounds says
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!
Kristie Noguera says
My kids are lucky to have 4 great grandparents.
Helen says
Will be Granny next month.
Forgetfulone says
I would love to be able to give this book as a gift to my mother from her grandchildren.
Tracy says
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.
JoAnn zimmerman says
What a great gift,
Yvonne Butler says
Love to Read!
Becca says
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.
Hannah says
this looks like a great book
sandra kao says
i need all the help i can get
JenO says
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…
Barbara Schantz says
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.
Marci says
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.
Beth says
I would absolutely love to win this for my mom!
Kellys Krazy Kids says
I would love to win! What a great book!
Mary Sullivan says
This would be a wonderful book for friends who will be first time grandparents in two weeks.
T says
No kids (yet), but I always wanted a book like this to give to my folks as an announcement when I *do* get pregnant 🙂
Janne says
What a sweet looking book.
Kisha says
I’d love to win this book for my girl’s grandparents! I’m sure it’d be appreciated. 🙂
ariane says
the books seems very interesting! hope i’ll win! please count me in! thanks a lot!
stampedwithgrace says
my mom is such a great grandmother, but I think she would love for me to win this book for her 🙂
Danielle S says
My mom would really enjoy this book!
Noreen says
I would love to pass this on to my mom or my mil (after I read it myself)
Sandy says
this would be great for my parental units :O) thanks
Jean says
Perfect for my mom-in-law as she’s a first-time grandparent.
Chrysa says
I would love to win this book for my mom!
Paula Englert says
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.
Jill says
I would love to share this with my parents!!
Tiffany says
Would love to give to my Mom, and her bday is next week!
Kathy LaFrenier says
I have four beautiful grandchildren under the age of three–I want it!
Christy says
this would be great for my parents who are about to become grandparents again!
Tosha says
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!!
debbie tyler says
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.
Elizabeth...mommy...etc says
my mom would love this…she has 4 long-distant granddaughters! *elizabeth
Carmen Vj says
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.
Kathryn Church says
You are sooo right. This book would make a great gift… Thank you =^..^=
lorides says
great gift for grammie
Marilyn says
The book sounds wonderful! I’m a Ma-Ma who would love it. Thanks!
Elena says
A book with a title that is completely true!
Ellie says
I’d love to give this to my mother in law.
Linda Grieser says
I would love this grandparent book, sounds like so many fun ideas!!!
Melissa says
What a great book for my inlaws!
Thanks!
Cindi says
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
Marlena says
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.
Jennifer W says
My mom would really love this.
Morning Rose says
Sounds like a nice gift for my parents. Growing up without grandparents, it’s neat to see my children’s relationship with their grandparents.
lindsey says
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.
killlashadra says
What a great looking book. Looks like something my Mom would enjoy reading.
Mary says
Great giveaway, thanks!
Patricia says
I know my mom would just love this book! Thanks!!
Robin Hewitt says
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.
Kristie says
I would love to share this book with both my mom and mother-in-law!
Nodins Nest says
That sounds like a terrific read!
Betty N says
I have 8 grandchildren…I would love to have the book!
Bree says
My mother-in-law would LOVE this book!
shannon w. says
this would be perfect for my mom. A source with ideas for things to do with her grandchildren would be much appreciated.
[email protected]
kelleythejewelrylady says
My mom would love this….thanks for finding another great book for us!
Stacy says
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.
julianna says
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!
Vickie Couturier says
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
Judy Johnston says
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!
erin says
i would love this book for my son’s grandparents. how cute!
Carol Harrity says
As a grandmother to 17 and great grandma to 3 I most likely could benefit from this book.
SJ says
My Mom would love this book!
Kim B. says
I would love this book! My mom would love it!
Sara says
I’d love a copy for my mom. I think she’d love it.
Sara says
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!
Kristinia says
Love to get this for my Mom and Dad , especially with Grandparents day in September!
Dawn Fiske says
Would love this book to help me with my twin grandchildren.
Meg says
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!
Johannah B says
Good reading I am sure….put me in.
Belinda A. says
I’d like to win this for my in-laws:)
Kari says
I would love to win this for the GRANDPARENTS of my kids…they would love it!! 🙂 Thanks!
Amber says
What a great book for my in-laws. I’d love to win it!
Ken says
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!
Barbara H. says
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!
Ashley says
That would be great for my parents
Heather says
This would be a great book to give to my parents…
Kathy says
I have a feeling grandparenting may not be too far off for me. I’d love the book.
Thanks, Kathy