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5 Minutes for Books — The Joyous Gift of Grandparenting

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This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

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 quitegrand.jpg 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:

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.

Reader Interactions


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97 Comments

  2. 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!

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  6. Wow!! I have 3 wonder full grand girls and 1 delight full grand guy. I would love to win this book.

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  11. 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

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  13. I know that my mom would love this book, as she loves to spend time with her grandkids!

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  16. 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!

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  20. 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.

    Reply

  23. 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.

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  26. 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…

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  27. 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.

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  28. 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.

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  32. No kids (yet), but I always wanted a book like this to give to my folks as an announcement when I *do* get pregnant 🙂

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  34. I’d love to win this book for my girl’s grandparents! I’m sure it’d be appreciated. 🙂

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  36. my mom is such a great grandmother, but I think she would love for me to win this book for her 🙂

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  42. 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.

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  47. 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!!

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  48. 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.

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  50. 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.

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  58. 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

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  59. 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.

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  61. Sounds like a nice gift for my parents. Growing up without grandparents, it’s neat to see my children’s relationship with their grandparents.

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  62. 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.

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  66. 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.

    Reply

  73. 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.

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  74. 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!

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  75. 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

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  76. 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!

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  82. 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!

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  85. 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!

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  88. I would love to win this for the GRANDPARENTS of my kids…they would love it!! 🙂 Thanks!

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  91. 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!

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  94. I have a feeling grandparenting may not be too far off for me. I’d love the book.
    Thanks, Kathy

    Reply