The must-read guide to navigating family life as a grandparent. The relationship between grandparent and grandchild is more important to families than ever before, with 7 million grandparents providing childcare in the UK. But while the joys of being a grandparent are widely celebrated, some challenges are generally brushed under the carpet. Author, journalist and grandparent Celia Dodd speaks to grandmothers and grandfathers and draws on the latest research to better understand how to manage your emotions, time and energy alongside other commitments and dreams. Whether you''re a grandma, dada, nanny or pops, Grandparenting encourages you to celebrate your age and experience as a strength - not a weakness. This book also reminds you how to channel your wisdom and empathy into nurturing deep and lasting family relationships, and includes topics such as: - Managing relationships with your adult children and son/daughter in law - Providing childcare and babysitting - Coping as a single grandparent - Supporting your adult child through fertility treatment - Navigating your own or your child''s divorce.

Autorentext

Celia Dodd is an author and journalist with over 30 years' experience of writing about family and relationships for national newspapers and magazines, including The Times, The Independent and Radio Times. Her previous books include All Grown Up, Not Fade Away and The Empty Nest. Celia has 6 grandchildren who she looks after regularly.

Klappentext

The wise guide to navigating family life as a grandparent

Grandparents are more important in families than ever before, with millions providing free childcare. But while the joys of being a grandparent are widely celebrated, the challenges and dilemmas are often overlooked. What should you do if you don't agree with your daughter-in-law's parenting? Is it possible to build a close relationship with grandchildren when you live far apart? And above all, how do you juggle your own ambitions with your family's needs?

Celia Dodd speaks to grandmothers, grandfathers and adult children and draws on the latest research to help both generations negotiate what can at times be an emotional minefield. Grand Expectations shows how grandparents can harvest their wisdom and experience in nurturing these precious relationships.

Inhalt

Introduction

1. Becoming the grandparent you want to be
2. Building a close relationship with your grandchild: babies to young adults
3. Your grandchild's parents: Your adult child
4. Your grandchild's parents: Your daughter-in-law or son-in-law
5. Childcare and babysitting
6. Grandfathers
7. Single grandparents
8. Number one grandparents? Paternal and maternal grandparents
9. Longing for a grandchild: Supporting your adult child through fertility treatment
10. If your child divorces or your own marriage ends
    Conclusion
    Resources
    Bibliography
    Acknowledgements
    Index