My mother-in-law, Phoebe, has severe Alzheimer’s and has lived in a full-care residence for two years. She and my father-in-law, Sheldon, had a close and loving relationship, so it is particularly sad that she no longer recognizes him or any of us. We’re glad she is well cared for where she is. My problem regards […]
Category: Grandparents
Welcome grandparents and parents! We know how important grandparent relationships are, so here you’ll find articles, videos and events on activities grandparents can do with their grandchildren, ways to positively foster these relationships, better communication and appreciation between parents and grandparents (and vice versa!) and more!
Ask Dr. Gramma Karen: Grandmother Is Too Generous
My mother and I never had any conflict at all about my two children (her grandchildren) until after my father died and she got a very small inheritance. Before that, she and my dad were generous with their gift giving at holidays and birthdays, and we all enjoyed it. But since my father died, she […]
How to Love a Child
I came across this poem the other day, and loved it so much I just had to share: How to Really Love a Child by Sark Be there. Say yes as often as possible. Let them bang on pots and pans. If they’re crabby, put them in water. If they’re unlovable, love yourself. Realize how […]
S.O.S. Product Review: popchips
*This is sponsored product review Review by Jaymee Kruysman I recently tried popchips and I am in love! These little circular chips are fabulous. They are very light and crunchy, but most importantly, they are guilt-free. Each bag is 100 calories, gluten free, cholesterol and preservative free. That’s right – 100 calories and they are […]
Ask Dr. Gramma Karen: Grandmother Denied Access to Grandson
When my daughter, Mandy, was nine months pregnant, her boyfriend was sentenced to six months of work release. She had the baby and stayed with us for several months. I did all I could to help take care of my grandson, Peter, who was a fussy baby. After my daughter moved back to her own […]
Ask Dr. Gramma Karen: Advice for Interacting with Adolescents
Of late, my wife and I have been trying to understand and be better prepared to deal with our adolescent children’s behavior, especially our 15-year-old son’s changing and often-inexplicable behavior. Fortunately for us, we came across the work of Daniel Siegel, M.D. After watching some of his YouTube presentations and reading his book Brainstorm, it […]
Ask Amanda: Appreciating Literature Creatively
Q: What are some creative ways to keep track of books read at home? I want my children to have a museum of sorts which highlights the wonderful literature they explore both at home and in school. A: With National Read across America Day approaching in early March, it is a perfect time to gear […]
10 Reasons to Make Sleep a Priority
So you have given up caramel mocchacinos, bought a gym membership, and even jumped on the “be kind” bandwagon. But have you thought about adding improving your family’s sleep patterns to your New Year’s resolutions? Maybe you think sleep should just come naturally and is not something you can change. That’s a myth. Based on […]