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Boozer Grandma Means No Grandchildren Sleepovers
My kids won't let their kids, my grandchildren, spend the night at my home because they think I drink too much
My kids won't let their kids — my grandchildren — spend the night at my home. They think I drink too much and that I wouldn't take good care of their children. I&r ... read more
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Family Reunion: Delightful or Disaster?
Our adult kids are not close to one another, but one of our dreams is to take them and our grandkids on a trip together. Can you suggest some ways to bring this up that might entice them to put their differences aside and have a family reunion?
Many grandparents dream of having their children and grandchildren in one place at one time, yet struggle with how to navigate the emotional minefields of hurts, grudges, and ... read more
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Grandpa: Jealous of Grandma's Time?
My husband is feeling left out because I spend so much time with our new grandbaby. Honestly, I am thoroughly drawn to my grandchild and I can't be in two places at once. Help ... read more
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Am I Annoying My Kids?
When you've been told, nicely or otherwise, to back off
My daughter just told me that at holiday gatherings I'm in her face too much and it annoys her. I had no idea I was getting all up in her business. I thought I was just being ... read more
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Grandma Misses Her Grandson
After a long separation, should she send a gift?
I am a grandmother of a boy, 4 1/2 years old. His parents won't let me see him, which is a long story. I haven't seen him in almost two years. He doesn't even know m ... read more
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Should I Tutor My Grandchild?
I am a retired math teacher and I occasionally tutor my nine-year old grandson in the subject. But my daughter tells me that my approach is old-fashioned, and that I confuse my grandson by teaching him my way. Do you think I should stop helping him?
Absolutely not! I would urge you to continue to share your passion for math with your grandson. What a wonderful gift it is to him to have a grandparent who is an expert in th ... read more
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Should I Tell My Grandkids About My Illness?
My sons both feel I shouldn't scare my grandkids (ages 8, 9, and 11) but I am afraid that if something happens to me, it would have been better if I had prepared them.
This is a delicate and important question, and I admire you for so lovingly thinking of your family. It would be wise to tell your grandchildren that you are dealing with a se ... read more
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Grandma Barred From Visiting Newborn in Hospital
This set of parents is keeping Grandma and Grandpa away from the nursery. Is that fair?
When my son's daughter was born, our extended family took turns at the hospital with my daughter-in-law and the baby. We would all fill that room, and then their home, with su ... read more
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The Uninvolved and Detached Son-in-Law
My son-in-law doesn't seem to be actively involved in his children's lives. This really bothers me. What can I do or say to help the situation?
There is little you can do to change anyone other than yourself. Your son-in-law is a product of his childhood, temperament, beliefs, and life experience. Your idea that he sh ... read more
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Grandma's Big Mouth
Bad influence? An uncensored grandparent makes one mom wonder about right and wrong.
My mother says inappropriate things to my five-year-old son. For example, she recently told him it was okay to burp out loud in a restaurant. "It's natural," she says. She has ... read more
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My Granddaughter Has No Manners
My 11-year-old granddaughter does not have good manners. When I introduce her to my friends, she doesnt know how to shake their hands and say hello. What should I do?
If I had a choice between my son attending a prestigious university or having good manners, I'd pick the good manners — that’s how much I believe they matter. I&rs ... read more
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Is Attention Deficit Disorder an Excuse to Misbehave?
My daughter and her husband say that both their sons have Attention Deficit Disorder. Isnt that just a fad?
They let their kids get away with just about anything, and blame it on ADD. Their kids don’t eat right, and they stay up late. I think the parents need to do more to get ... read more
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How Do I Connect With My Estranged Granddaughter?
After a long-lost connection, one granddaughter attempts to reach out. Tread lightly, Grandpa.
Four years ago, my son passed away. We hadn’t spoken for years even before his untimely death and the only contact I had with his daughter, now 18 years old, was through ... read more
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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 encourag ... 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 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, ... 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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