Grandparenting

If your family tree includes estrangement from adult children, seemingly genial conversation can feel like a punch in the gut. What do you say if you haven't talked to your adult child in months or years, and how do you say the choice was theirs, not yours? ...

Pull out those old cookie cutters to make all sorts of holiday ornaments with the grandkids. It's a great way to relive old family memories while making new ones that will last for years. ...

A classic “Saturday Night Live” sketch from the ‘70s featured Dan Aykroyd as a smarmy, fast-talking toy executive defending his company’s “Bag O’ Glass” and “Teddy Chainsaw Bear” holiday offerings. Few of us have given our grandkids anything that dangerous — at least, not on purpose. Yet toys that seem perfect may not be safe. Age matters. ...

Making gingerbread houses with your grandchildren can become a fun tradition that they will look forward to doing with you each year. But we're not talking about making a house completely out of gingerbread. Grammy has the kids make a simple, non-edible cardboard house that can be assembled in a few hours. ...

Before the weather gets too cold at night, early October is the perfect time for an overnight camping adventure right in your own backyard. Fall is also the best time to enjoy sitting around a campfire, feeling its warmth and roasting marshmallow s’mores (with or without the grandkids!). ...

If you've had your fill of apple picking and pumpkin choosing, then a Halloween Drive-Thru might be a good way to extend the autumn fun. ...

The people you surround yourself with, the places you choose to live, and the care you give to your body can work together to slow the worst aspects of aging while enhancing the best things about getting older. ...

Kids love snacks. With planning, you can quickly create a snack for the grandkids that’s both fun and nutritious. Think of healthful snacks as high-energy fuel. Kids are continuously learning and growing, and seem to have an endless supply of energy, so food quality is important. ...