I count my blessings each day that I get to interact with my Grandchildren freely. This just didn’t happen on its own. I am very intentional about extended family dynamics and do all I can to create a family culture of inclusion. This article does not intend to address the various “How we got here scenarios”; many Sociologists are working on that, but I think we must bring this issue front and center. In one of my Grandparenting books, I […]

Communication is one thing, but Bonding is a next-level activity. We sometimes think that being a Grandparent is like falling off a log. While there is some natural flow to familial connection, if we hope to grow with our Grandkids, we have to be proactive, focused, and intentional about how we can make our connections with them lasting and meaningful for us and them. The all-important foundation is being as present as possible in the beginning years. The more support […]

Sometimes, in our zeal to connect with our Grandkids and be their “Buddies,” we knowingly or mistakenly circumvent what their parents are trying to do. I have one advice for any Grandparent who encounters a situation that can be misconstrued: DON’T. I attended the IFI (International Fabricare Institute) many years ago while building my Dry Cleaning Store. The instructor told the following tale. In Italy, if you come across the sign of an old Dry Cleaning establishment, you may see […]