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From Mum to Granny

Help I’m a Grandparent

Gone are the days of grannies as grey-haired ladies who knit blankets, nowadays half of British grandparents are under 65. Becoming a grandparent can be an incredibly rewarding and happy experience. However, it isn’t always without its challenges. Here we look at what being a grandparent might involve, tips for new grandparents, and general advice on this major milestone.

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PODCASTS

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Jo Middleton & Tanya Barrow On Becoming A Grandparent

(44 mins )

What’s it like to become a grandparent? What it’s like to have that big shift in identity – mother to grandmother – and how they manage to be supportive, but not over-bearing. So much has changed since they last had babies, so does that present a problem when giving advice to their daughters?

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Why grandparents are important

(24 mins)

Asked to describe your grandparents, you may conjure fond childhood memories of trips to the park or going round for your favourite dinner after school. You may live just around the corner and see your grandparents daily or they might be a welcome voice on the phone, brightening your day from afar. Elaine Chong discovers just why it is that grandparents matter so much to us and she finds out what happens when grandparents step in to raise their grandchildren.

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Unwritten rules of grandparenting

(8 mins)

Being a grandparent is a major milestone in the journey of life. For those who have taken years to learn how to parent, becoming a grandparent requires a completely different set of rules, and often times, the ability to readjust as the family dynamics change. It’s important to understand these unwritten rules in order to maximise your joy in grandparenting, as well as maintaining a loving and fulfilling intergenerational family life.

 

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VIDEOS

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Lesley Stahl “Becoming Grandma”

(44 mins)

After four decades as a reporter, Lesley Stahl’s most vivid and transformative experience of her life was not covering the White House or interviewing heads of state. It was becoming a grandmother. She was hit with a jolt of joy so intense and unexpected, she wanted to investigate it, so using her 60 Minutes skills, she explored how grand mothering changes a woman’s life.

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Making the Transition from Mom to Grandma

(6 mins )

Having been a parent for 26 years Dr Julie Hanks shares some professional advice and tips that she’s learned since becoming a grandma. She also discusses the challenges of being the paternal grandmother.

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Grandparents Reacting to Pregnancy

(8 mins )

Funny compilation of people hearing that they will become grandparents for the first time. King compliations.

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ARTICLES

I’m too young to be a gran!

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With the children out of the way, Flic Everett was looking forward to enjoying her empty nest. Then she found out she was going to be a grandmother – at only 42.

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Top 7 tips for new and expecting grandparents

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Congratulations, you’re a grandparent! It’s a big deal – and an event you may have been anticipating for a long time. But this transition brings challenges as well as joy. Here are seven tips to help you avoid common new-grandparent pitfalls and handle your role with flair and grace. Melanie Haiken for BabyCenter

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10 ways to be a fabulous grandparent

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Don’t act jealous of the other grandparents – and stick to the parents’ rules when you’re looking after the children … mostly. Flic Everitt for the Guardian.

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What I wish I knew before becoming a Grandparent

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Nancy and Tom Biracree share they’re well-earned wisdom with any and all grandparents-to-be.

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