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5 Minutes for Books — The Joyous Gift of Grandparenting

May 12, 2008 by Jennifer Donovan

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

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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 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:

  • 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.

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About Jennifer Donovan

Jennifer Donovan has been a part of the 5 Minutes for Mom team since 2007. She writes product reviews, covers events, and manages the 5 Minutes for Books weekly column and website. She lives in Houston and blogs at Snapshot about life with her family.

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97 Comments

  1. Timothy Sternberg says

    May 19, 2008 at 2:51 am

    I’d love the book.

    Reply
  2. Kati says

    May 18, 2008 at 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!

    Reply
  3. jenna says

    May 18, 2008 at 6:20 pm

    I’d love to win this and give to my parents.

    Reply
  4. kathy pease says

    May 18, 2008 at 4:20 pm

    please enter me 🙂

    Reply
  5. Sally Baldwin says

    May 18, 2008 at 3:44 pm

    Awesome! Please enter me!

    Reply
  6. Eileen Sheehan says

    May 18, 2008 at 11:34 am

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

    Reply
  7. Brooke says

    May 18, 2008 at 9:04 am

    This is such a lovely giveaway! Thanks!

    Reply
  8. Jennifer H says

    May 18, 2008 at 12:50 am

    My mom would love this!

    Reply
  9. MerryMom says

    May 17, 2008 at 11:42 pm

    Great site …

    Hey Moms, If you’re looking to make a few dollars from home … great money making and saving tips below.

    http://sevensenough.com/freedollars/

    Take Care, MerryMom 🙂

    Reply
  10. philip halter says

    May 17, 2008 at 6:38 pm

    enter me please

    Reply
  11. christine says

    May 17, 2008 at 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

    Reply
  12. Eva says

    May 17, 2008 at 12:11 pm

    for fun

    Reply
  13. Sara DeMaster Smith says

    May 17, 2008 at 7:45 am

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

    Reply
  14. Kevin Turner says

    May 17, 2008 at 1:41 am

    I just had two grandsons within five days and would love to give this book to my wife!

    Reply
  15. Erin says

    May 17, 2008 at 12:18 am

    I would love to give this to my parents!

    Reply
  16. Tracey Pounds says

    May 17, 2008 at 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!

    Reply
  17. Kristie Noguera says

    May 16, 2008 at 9:12 pm

    My kids are lucky to have 4 great grandparents.

    Reply
  18. Helen says

    May 16, 2008 at 8:06 am

    Will be Granny next month.

    Reply
  19. Forgetfulone says

    May 16, 2008 at 12:06 am

    I would love to be able to give this book as a gift to my mother from her grandchildren.

    Reply
  20. Tracy says

    May 15, 2008 at 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.

    Reply
  21. JoAnn zimmerman says

    May 15, 2008 at 5:52 pm

    What a great gift,

    Reply
  22. Yvonne Butler says

    May 15, 2008 at 8:57 am

    Love to Read!

    Reply
  23. Becca says

    May 14, 2008 at 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.

    Reply
  24. Hannah says

    May 14, 2008 at 4:14 pm

    this looks like a great book

    Reply
  25. sandra kao says

    May 14, 2008 at 4:00 pm

    i need all the help i can get

    Reply
  26. JenO says

    May 13, 2008 at 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…

    Reply
  27. Barbara Schantz says

    May 13, 2008 at 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.

    Reply
  28. Marci says

    May 13, 2008 at 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.

    Reply
  29. Beth says

    May 13, 2008 at 11:58 am

    I would absolutely love to win this for my mom!

    Reply
  30. Kellys Krazy Kids says

    May 13, 2008 at 11:47 am

    I would love to win! What a great book!

    Reply
  31. Mary Sullivan says

    May 13, 2008 at 10:28 am

    This would be a wonderful book for friends who will be first time grandparents in two weeks.

    Reply
  32. T says

    May 13, 2008 at 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 🙂

    Reply
  33. Janne says

    May 13, 2008 at 8:59 am

    What a sweet looking book.

    Reply
  34. Kisha says

    May 13, 2008 at 8:33 am

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

    Reply
  35. ariane says

    May 13, 2008 at 4:56 am

    the books seems very interesting! hope i’ll win! please count me in! thanks a lot!

    Reply
  36. stampedwithgrace says

    May 13, 2008 at 2:22 am

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

    Reply
  37. Danielle S says

    May 13, 2008 at 1:19 am

    My mom would really enjoy this book!

    Reply
  38. Noreen says

    May 13, 2008 at 12:40 am

    I would love to pass this on to my mom or my mil (after I read it myself)

    Reply
  39. Sandy says

    May 13, 2008 at 12:33 am

    this would be great for my parental units :O) thanks

    Reply
  40. Jean says

    May 12, 2008 at 11:31 pm

    Perfect for my mom-in-law as she’s a first-time grandparent.

    Reply
  41. Chrysa says

    May 12, 2008 at 11:17 pm

    I would love to win this book for my mom!

    Reply
  42. Paula Englert says

    May 12, 2008 at 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.

    Reply
  43. Jill says

    May 12, 2008 at 9:45 pm

    I would love to share this with my parents!!

    Reply
  44. Tiffany says

    May 12, 2008 at 9:41 pm

    Would love to give to my Mom, and her bday is next week!

    Reply
  45. Kathy LaFrenier says

    May 12, 2008 at 9:22 pm

    I have four beautiful grandchildren under the age of three–I want it!

    Reply
  46. Christy says

    May 12, 2008 at 9:20 pm

    this would be great for my parents who are about to become grandparents again!

    Reply
  47. Tosha says

    May 12, 2008 at 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!!

    Reply
  48. debbie tyler says

    May 12, 2008 at 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.

    Reply
  49. Elizabeth...mommy...etc says

    May 12, 2008 at 8:25 pm

    my mom would love this…she has 4 long-distant granddaughters! *elizabeth

    Reply
  50. Carmen Vj says

    May 12, 2008 at 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.

    Reply
  51. Kathryn Church says

    May 12, 2008 at 7:32 pm

    You are sooo right. This book would make a great gift… Thank you =^..^=

    Reply
  52. lorides says

    May 12, 2008 at 7:10 pm

    great gift for grammie

    Reply
  53. Marilyn says

    May 12, 2008 at 6:12 pm

    The book sounds wonderful! I’m a Ma-Ma who would love it. Thanks!

    Reply
  54. Elena says

    May 12, 2008 at 5:46 pm

    A book with a title that is completely true!

    Reply
  55. Ellie says

    May 12, 2008 at 5:22 pm

    I’d love to give this to my mother in law.

    Reply
  56. Linda Grieser says

    May 12, 2008 at 5:17 pm

    I would love this grandparent book, sounds like so many fun ideas!!!

    Reply
  57. Melissa says

    May 12, 2008 at 4:54 pm

    What a great book for my inlaws!
    Thanks!

    Reply
  58. Cindi says

    May 12, 2008 at 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

    Reply
  59. Marlena says

    May 12, 2008 at 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.

    Reply
  60. Jennifer W says

    May 12, 2008 at 3:33 pm

    My mom would really love this.

    Reply
  61. Morning Rose says

    May 12, 2008 at 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.

    Reply
  62. lindsey says

    May 12, 2008 at 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.

    Reply
  63. killlashadra says

    May 12, 2008 at 2:56 pm

    What a great looking book. Looks like something my Mom would enjoy reading.

    Reply
  64. Mary says

    May 12, 2008 at 2:48 pm

    Great giveaway, thanks!

    Reply
  65. Patricia says

    May 12, 2008 at 1:31 pm

    I know my mom would just love this book! Thanks!!

    Reply
  66. Robin Hewitt says

    May 12, 2008 at 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.

    Reply
  67. Kristie says

    May 12, 2008 at 1:13 pm

    I would love to share this book with both my mom and mother-in-law!

    Reply
  68. Nodins Nest says

    May 12, 2008 at 1:12 pm

    That sounds like a terrific read!

    Reply
  69. Betty N says

    May 12, 2008 at 1:10 pm

    I have 8 grandchildren…I would love to have the book!

    Reply
  70. Bree says

    May 12, 2008 at 1:07 pm

    My mother-in-law would LOVE this book!

    Reply
  71. shannon w. says

    May 12, 2008 at 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.

    [email protected]

    Reply
  72. kelleythejewelrylady says

    May 12, 2008 at 12:48 pm

    My mom would love this….thanks for finding another great book for us!

    Reply
  73. Stacy says

    May 12, 2008 at 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.

    Reply
  74. julianna says

    May 12, 2008 at 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!

    Reply
  75. Vickie Couturier says

    May 12, 2008 at 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

    Reply
  76. Judy Johnston says

    May 12, 2008 at 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!

    Reply
  77. erin says

    May 12, 2008 at 12:10 pm

    i would love this book for my son’s grandparents. how cute!

    Reply
  78. Carol Harrity says

    May 12, 2008 at 11:54 am

    As a grandmother to 17 and great grandma to 3 I most likely could benefit from this book.

    Reply
  79. SJ says

    May 12, 2008 at 11:29 am

    My Mom would love this book!

    Reply
  80. Kim B. says

    May 12, 2008 at 11:06 am

    I would love this book! My mom would love it!

    Reply
  81. Sara says

    May 12, 2008 at 11:03 am

    I’d love a copy for my mom. I think she’d love it.

    Reply
  82. Sara says

    May 12, 2008 at 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!

    Reply
  83. Kristinia says

    May 12, 2008 at 10:25 am

    Love to get this for my Mom and Dad , especially with Grandparents day in September!

    Reply
  84. Dawn Fiske says

    May 12, 2008 at 10:21 am

    Would love this book to help me with my twin grandchildren.

    Reply
  85. Meg says

    May 12, 2008 at 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!

    Reply
  86. Johannah B says

    May 12, 2008 at 9:54 am

    Good reading I am sure….put me in.

    Reply
  87. Belinda A. says

    May 12, 2008 at 9:50 am

    I’d like to win this for my in-laws:)

    Reply
  88. Kari says

    May 12, 2008 at 9:43 am

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

    Reply
  89. Amber says

    May 12, 2008 at 9:23 am

    What a great book for my in-laws. I’d love to win it!

    Reply
  90. Ken says

    May 12, 2008 at 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!

    Reply
  91. Barbara H. says

    May 12, 2008 at 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!

    Reply
  92. Ashley says

    May 12, 2008 at 8:38 am

    That would be great for my parents

    Reply
  93. Heather says

    May 12, 2008 at 8:31 am

    This would be a great book to give to my parents…

    Reply
  94. Kathy says

    May 12, 2008 at 7:47 am

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

    Reply

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