Parenting Thought

What if your children do not have loving grandparents in their lives?

It is true that some children do not have grandparents in their lives. Or, the grandparents they do have don’t know enough about children or aren’t healthy enough themselves (physically, mentally, or emotionally) to be loving grandparents.

If this is true in your case, be on the lookout for friends and other family members of the grandparent age who, if they had a chance to get to know your child, would love him.

Then, make opportunities for those stand-in grandparents to get to know your child.

 (See “Why Grandparents Are Important” for more about grandparents.)

Autumn’s Picture Books

We have been amazed at how much good parenting information is in children’s picture books – books that we hope you are reading everyday to the children in your lives – your own, your class, those you take care of.  For each book, we are noting there is something in it to remind you of how to be the parent you want to be.

• BECAUSE I’M YOUR DAD by Amet Zappa

A reminder that Dad’s are important with many ideas about how to play with and just be with your child

• LET’S GO, HUGO! by Angela Dominguez

A reminder that fear can be overcome and that being a trusted friend is helpful when your child is afraid

• NURSE CLEMENTINE by Simon James

A reminder that holiday gifts should show that you know your child really well and that if what your child wants is safe and affordable, it is a good gift – no matter how small or how unusual

• SUKI & MIRABELLA by Carmela and Steven D’Amico

A reminder of the dangers of overindulgence and out-of-control competition.

Read All About It:

“Why Grandparents Are Important”

SELF-ESTEEM A FAMILY AFFAIR, Jean Illsley Clarke

GROWING UP AGAIN: PARENTING OURSELVES, PARENTING OUR CHILDREN, Jean Illsley Clarke and Connie Dawson

Surf the Internet:

self-esteem

grandparents

grandparenting

unconditional love