GrandLoving is collaboratively written by Grandma Sue Johnson, her daughter-in-law, Julie Carlson, and daughter Elizabeth Bower. The updated and expanded fifth edition was released in April 2010 by Heartstrings Press. As a mother and former educator, it is extra special that they are all mothers and former teachers.
GrandLoving is a must have resource for all grandparents who want to bond and stay connected to their grandchildren. There are tips from families all over the world and the book is loaded with hundreds of very budget friendly activities to do whether grandparents are with their little grandchildren or miles away. And whether you have twelve grandchildren or your first on its way, you will find value in this wonderful resource.
My absolute favorite feature of this book is that the activities do not revolve around buying things for children; instead, they promote building relationships, engaging in activities together, staying connected and knowing each other, and just purely loving and enjoying time together. What could be more valuable or precious than that for grandparents? And most importantly, the results will be in the nurtured and close relationship they will have with their grandchildren.
I also enjoy that the author's of GrandLoving encourage grandparents to get involved right from the start. The first two chapters focus on how to get involved when your daughter or daughter-in-law is first pregnant and when the baby is born. This is something that comes natural to many,
but for those who need a little extra nudge or an idea of how to do it properly, GrandLoving offers that support and encouragement.
GrandLoving is a resource that is valuable regardless of how close grandparents live to their grandchildren. There are activities in a variety of chapters for "Across the Miles", what do do when your grandchildren visit you, how to pack when you visit them, sending them treasures in the mailbox (....does it get ANY better than that for little children? :) ) There is also a chapter on creating traditions; I really enjoyed the ideas in here, especially since we are far away from most of our children's grandparents. Chapter 9 is dedicated to using technology to enhance your relationships. Let's face it; it is out there. However, that technology can often be intimidating for some. Again, GrandLoving offers ideas and support to help.
GrandLoving
has also won a variety of awards, which just supports my belief in this book. The 5th edition received the National Association Parenting Publications of America - Honors NAPPA-2010. GrandLoving is also the Parenting/Family Category winner of the International Book Awards 2010. Previous editions have won such awards as the Mom’s Choice Award, The National Parenting Publication’s Gold and Honors Award, The National Parenting Center’s Seal of Approval, The Family Choice Award, and the iParenting Media Award. As I list these awards, I feel the need to explain. Did I list these because they mean the book is worthwhile? No, I included them because they support that the book is worthwhile. They support what I already believe...and that is worth including.
Please be sure to take a look at GrandLoving's website as well for a sampling of activities, online resources for grandparents. You can also find books that are recommended for children on their award winning website. Most importantly, please remember that Grandparents Day is this Sunday, September 12th. If you have not already checked out GrandLoving's article on ideas on activities you can do with your children to show their love and appreciation of their grandparents, please do. Even if all you do is Skype with them...do it. Make the time.
I am so excited to announce that GrandLoving is now available for sale in my Open Sky Store! Sue, one of the co-authors, and I were talking about me doing a review and I then pointed her toward Open Sky! The power of relationships at work...
Disclosure: GrandLoving sent me a copy of the book for review. My thoughts are just that...my own.
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