Pic of the week: Cautionary Tale

/
Pic of the week: Cautionary Tale

Let me preface the sharing of this picture by noting that Benjamin is fine. Though he will need a follow-up with an ophthalmologist once the swelling is gone.

Read More

Gramma's Snow Cream

/
Gramma's Snow Cream

March and April are typically the snowiest months in Colorado. This past Thursday was a typical March day in Colorado in that it snowed. A lot.

It was also a typical Thursday in that Benjamin and Robert spent the day at my house.

Having gobs of snow outside and my two grandsons inside provided the perfect opportunity to introduce Benjamin and Robert to snow cream.

Read More

7 tips for gardening with grandkids

/
7 tips for gardening with grandkids

There’s something invigorating about getting one’s hands dirty then appreciating what comes (or might come) from the earth. For kids especially, gardening can be an ideal way to counteract the electronic and artificial stimulation bombarding them on a daily basis.

Here are seven tips to ensure your grandchild’s curiosity with the natural world grows right along with the goodies you plant together.

Read More

Stroll with a goal: 8 ideas for walks with grandkids

/
Stroll with a goal: 8 ideas for walks with grandkids

Spring has sprung! So put on your walking shoes, gather up a grandkiddo or two, and hit the road—or sidewalk, as the case may be—for one of these springtime strolls with a goal.

Read More

Stand Up to Bullying, Grandma Style

/
Stand Up to Bullying, Grandma Style

A guest post for International Stand Up to Bullying Day, by Neve Spicer of WeTheParents.org.

Grandmas are great teachers. They have the experience and the time to help in raising good kids. When it comes to potential bullying behavior, you want them to think about what they have done and eventually realize it makes them the bad guy, not the hero.

Today, November 20, is International Stand Up to Bullying Day. Make the day meaningful in your grandkid’s lives.

Read More

How to be the best babysitting grandparent ever

/
How to be the best babysitting grandparent ever

Kids just want to have fun, especially when spending time with a babysitter. Parents primarily want their kids to be safe. And therein lies the challenge for grandparents who have secured the babysitting gig: finding the perfect balance between delighting grandchildren while pleasing their parents.

Master the challenge—and be the best babysitter ever—by considering the following tips.

Read More

Gifts for grandkids: 7 gift giving no-nos

/
Gifts for grandkids: 7 gift giving no-nos

The Christmas my middle daughter was about 4 years old, she received the most adorable, soft-bodied baby doll. We called it “Laughing Baby,” because when the doll’s tummy was pressed, she’d let loose an infectious giggle that would set my daughter into giggle fits galore. It was precious—the first 320 times. Then it was simply obnoxious and in need of silencing.

Read More

Ideal backdrop

/
Ideal backdrop

Ideal backdrop

Last week I shared with you some of the reasons I love the look of fall right outside my back door.

Over the weekend, I discovered another reason: It’s the ideal autumn backdrop for my goofy daughter Andrea and her equally goofy hubby, Allen, to pose for silly shots during a special birthday celebration (more on that to come).

Their attitude inspires me to approach the new week in a similarly carefree way. I hope sharing the shots does the same for you.

Plus … GRAND Social No. 411 link party for grandparents

Read More

Celebrate Lollipop Day!

/
Celebrate Lollipop Day!

Celebrate Lollipop Day!

Did you know today, July 20, is officially Lollipop Day? It most certainly is, and you can click right here to read all about how Lollipop Day came to be.

Considering the continually cruddy state of affairs we’re dealing with day in and day out, let’s celebrate what we can. Today that’s Lollipop Day!

Click the photo below for a post from the Grandma’s Briefs archives …

Plus GRAND Social No. 399 link party for grandparents …

Read More

Puttering and pondering

/
Puttering and pondering

Puttering and pondering

As stay-at-home orders continue, I find myself doing more puttering and pondering than ever before. I know many motivated grandmothers and others are using this time to craft and create in new ways but I’m definitely not one of them. I’ve found I’m not even crafting and creating in the old ways I did in pre-coronavirus days.

Nope, I putter and ponder … and watch out my window as …

Plus GRAND Social No. 387 link party for grandparents …

Read More