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Not Enough Face Time
My 14-year-old granddaughter used to love to come over and spend the weekend with my wife and me, but these days she’s always with her friends. I think our son should encourage her to stay close to us, but he lets his daughter call the shots.
It can be a bit painful to discover that our grandchildren prefer their friends’ company to ours, especially if we’ve had a close relationship with them in the pas ... read more
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Naming the Grandchild: Who Gets Rights?
I would like my grandchild to be named after my husband, who passed away last year. How do I broach this with my son and his wife?
I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband, and am touched by your desire to perpetuate his legacy through your grandchild. This is a beautiful tradition, and o ... read more
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I Want to Stop Babysitting
How long do grandparents have to provide free child care for a single parent? I love my granddaughter, but I haven't had a weekend off in almost two years. Any advice?
My first response is to offer a blend of “What an incredibly caring grandparent you are” with “Are you crazy?!” Without knowing the nature of the situa ... read more
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I Hate my Step-Grandchild
My son married a lovely woman, who had a son from a previous marriage. Sadly, from the first day I met him, my new step-grandson has been a rude grump. I know he’s only 9, but he’s just a nasty kid, nothing like my other grandchildren. Help!
When your son married his wife, he undoubtedly engaged in a great deal of soul-searching before signing up to be part of this child’s life. Ideally, he and the boy were ... read more
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Not a Phone Person
My 11-year-old grandson doesn’t call me. His mother says he’s not a phone person. That just doesn’t feel right to me. Don’t I, as his grandma, deserve more respect?
Ah, the challenges of grandparenting from a distance.
Once upon a time, grandchildren lived in the same hut as their grandparents, or at least in the hut next door, and stay ... read more
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Parenting Books vs. Parents' Advice: Which One Wins?
Why do my kids believe everything in those parenting books and never believe me? I mean, I lived this. I raised them. What gives?
One of the most frustrating things about being a parent is having our children refuse our wise and caring counsel. As you’ve pointed out, it feels natural to want to sha ... read more
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Bugged By No Baptism
My son has decided not to baptize my new grandson. I can’t believe it. This completely bugs me. Now what do I do?
Whether it’s a baptism, a bris, a first communion, or a bar mitzvah, if a religious rite of passage is an integral part of your faith, it’s natural that you would ... read more
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Keeping Secrets: To Tell or Not to Tell
My grandchild tells me everything, and virtually nothing to her parents. I’m conflicted about this. Should I be telling her parents what she tells me?
This is definitely a question with more than one answer and many layers, so hang in there with me while I attempt to help you find the solution that fits your situation.
Let ... read more
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When Disaster Strikes
Tragedies happen. Here's how grandparents can help their family cope.
How can I help my grandchildren who are still very anxious after the recent California wildfires?
During and after any disaster it’s important to help children with th ... read more
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My Grandson Is a Picky Eater
Why is my grandson so picky? When he doesn't want to eat what's being served, my daughter gets up from the table and makes him a grilled cheese sandwich like it's a restaurant ... read more
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The Meaning of No
Why doesn’t my grandchild know the meaning of no? She looks at me like I’m speaking a foreign language when I dare say, “No, don’t do that.”
Cle ... read more
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Lingo Appreciation
When I talk to my teenage grandkids, I don’t understand the words they use? What on earth is a “twitter?” And what does “krumping” mean? I am a c ... read more
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My Daughter-in-Law is Jealous
I have a feeling that my daughter-in-law is jealous of the close relationship that I have with my 8-year-old granddaughter. I remember the same dynamics in my family with my m ... read more
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My Granddaughter Hates Barbie
Why does my 7-year-old granddaughter hate Barbie?
Ah, the mysteries of children and what they like… and hate. Who can say why your granddaughter doesn’t like Ba ... read more
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Why Do They Talk Back?
Why is it OK for my grandkids to talk back to their parents? I would've been smacked if I did that. What happened to respect?
First of all, it is not acceptable for children ... read more
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My Daughter-in-Law Has Wacky Rules
My daughter-in-law has come up with all these wacko rules regarding my grandson. I must vacuum my home twice prior to his arrival, he is not allowed carbs after 6 p.m., and no ... read more
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