Grandparenting

With parents so busy today, grandparents are playing a bigger part in opening up the world of books to children. About half the patrons attending library storytimes are bringing their grandchildren. Librarians agree that a strong foundation in reading is fundamental to a child’s later academic success and quality of life. Plus, it’s fun! ...

If you're looking for something to do, head over to your local library. Cleveland Public Library and its neighborhood branches are providing free entertainment, crafts and more throughout the holiday season, and it all kicks off this weekend with crafts, stories and even a winter reading challenge. ...

While our grandchildren are immersed in a “gimme-gimme-gimme” culture, don’t underestimate their capacity to be kind and generous, especially during the holiday season. And don’t overlook the power of your example in helping them reach that potential. ...

It’s fall, and the trees are showcasing their beautiful colors and then releasing their leaves! It’s a wonderful season to share and enjoy the fall leaves with the grandchildren. From hiking and collecting different leaf specimens, to fun leaf crafts and raking leaves followed by jumping into a huge pile, there are many unique experiences to enjoy together. So, enjoy the fall leaves before fall leaves and winter appears! ...

~Grammy on the Go~
Train Time! All Aboard for Fun
By Karen Shadrach

Most children love trains, and what could be more fun than riding a miniature train through the woods and fields? Northeast Ohio has three miniature train clubs made up of friendly people who enjoy sharing their hobby and offering free train rides to the public. Riding on the steamers is a wonderful family event. Here’s where to find them before wintry weather shuts down the tracks:

The Lakeshore Live Steamers in Kirtland is located at the Penitentiary Glen Reservation of the Lake Metroparks. Their club is 50 years strong and what began as a simple track laid out around a floral shop in the early ‘50s is now thousands of feet of track winding through the woods of Penitentiary Glen. The live steam hobby consists of modeling steam locomotives that actually run off steam.

The remaining public train ride yet this year is a Christmas run on December 5. Reservations and tickets for these events may be obtained at lakemetroparks.com. Rides are always free of charge, but donations are gratefully appreciated.

All can board these miniature trains. Riders sit atop the cars, straddling them with their legs on either side. Small children must be able to sit on a seat. Infants unable to sit by themselves can still ride, but must be held centered in front of an adult. The trains do not exceed 5 mph. The young and young at heart love to hear the sound of the train whistle,  smell the steam and enjoy the clickety-clack of the rails. 

The Northeastern Ohio Live Steamers is located on Medina County Park District land at Lester Rail Trail. Trains are 1/8 scale with a 7.5-inch track gauge model railroad. They are open for public runs October 15 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.,  

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Tiger. Elephant. Dolphin. Bulldozer. Lawnmower. Snowplow. Helicopter. Free-Range. Lighthouse.  What do all of these have in common? They’re all trending parenting styles. The current generation of parents may be authoritarian, authoritative, permissive or neglectful, just as in our day, but the labels have changed. Deciphering today’s terms can reveal the motivations behind the parenting approach you see from your children or in other families you know. You may even recognize your own parenting style(s) along the way. ...

Nothing smells quite like fall as much as the sweet aroma of apples cooking in an old-fashioned, huge copper kettle over a wood fire! A special treat for the senses will be your reward as you attend a Northeast Ohio apple butter festival with the grandkids. ...

Playing with grandkids is more fun than reading about them, to be sure. But we're always up for books on upping the grandparenting game. If you're a grandparent, or know someone who is about to become one, we've found a few books you may like to read or pass along to mark Grandparents' Day (Sept. 12). ...